When you’re heading to the beach this summer, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit says you’ll notice new signs to help you make an informed decision before going in the water.
Officials say they’re moving away from monthly water sampling and are instead posting signs at approximately 60 beaches across the region.
“Water sampling provides a snapshot of bacteria levels at a single point in time, and by the time results are available several days later, the water conditions have changed,” says Brent Allen, Acting Manager of the Health Unit’s Environmental Health program.
He says bacteria levels in beach water can change quickly due to factors such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, wave action, or bird droppings.
“The new signage provides guidance when and where people need it most, which we couldn’t offer with monthly sampling,” says Allen.
He emphasizes that the overall health risk of swimming at a public beach in the Health Unit region is low and can be reduced even further when people take precautions before, during and after entering the water.
The new signs recommend beachgoers check the water for physical hazards, avoid getting beach water in the mouth, dry the body well with a towel after exiting the water, and wash or sanitize hands before eating.
The Health Unit says it will continue to investigate public complaints and may collect water samples at public beaches when safety concerns are reported.
