Two of four Fort Erie beaches deemed unsafe for swimming
July 12, 2024 at 3:58 AM
Four beaches in Fort Erie were tested by the Niagara Region on July 9 and just two–Bay Beach and Crescent Beach–were deemed safe for swimming.
Bernard Avenue Beach and Waverly Beach, on the other hand, were closed due to high levels of E. coli and algae respectively.
The Region’s beach water testing page notes that “entering water with high bacteria levels can cause eye, ear, nose, throat and skin infections as well as stomach problems if the water is swallowed.”
Bacteria levels can rise due to a a number of factors such as a large number of swimmers or birds, wind and high waves, heavy rainfall in the last 24 to 48 hours, and cloudy water such that feet are not visible in waist deep water.
According to public health guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, water is considered unsafe for swimming when one sample contains 400 or more E. coli bacteria per 100 millilitres, or the geometric mean of five samples is 200 or more.
The Region samples water at each beach between one to two times per week.
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About The Author
Nick Fearns
Nick is a community journalist who has worked in Niagara and Macklin, Saskatchewan. He has a passion for local journalism and telling people's stories. Enjoys nature, history, and photography.
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