July 19, 2006

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is announcing a Swimming Advisory for Main Beach at Chippewa Park because water quality test results indicate high e-coli levels. Warning signs about the hazards of swimming are being posted by the city.

Public Health Inspectors regularly test beaches at Boulevard Lake and Chippewa Park from mid June to the end of August.  Test results from other city beaches are currently showing no cause for concern.  Reports of Swimmer’s Itch have come in from other popular swimming sites. (There are no tests for this.)

A high e-coli level in swimming water can cause problems with swimmers including a variety of skin eye, nose and throat infections, as well as stomach disorders. A high e-coli level can also be an indicator that other contaminants are in the water.

For more information about Recreational Water Illnesses, please visit the health unit website at www.tbdhu.com and follow the “Beach Testing” link found in Popular Health Information.

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