Several York Region beaches have been reopened following closures of all beaches last week due to a potentially toxic algae bloom, however, three Georgina beaches are under advisory for unsafe swimming conditions this week.
July 15 samples indicated the levels of E. coli bacteria in the water are high enough to pose a greater risk to health and may cause illness, York Region Public Health stated.
The three beaches under advisory are Claredon Beach Park, Joy Marritt Parkette and Peninsula Resort.
York Region Public Health monitors the water quality at public beaches, extracting at least five samples from each beach twice a week and testing for bacteria.
A red sign at the beach indicates the beach’s status is advisory for having high levels of E. coli. York Region warns that if you cannot see your feet when standing in water up to your knees it may be unsafe to swim due to high levels of bacteria in the water.
A blue sign at the beach indicates that the sample result shows the bacterial levels to be within acceptable limits and the beach's status is open. Blue signs on the beach warn swimmers not to swim for two days after a heavy rainfall. Bacteria can increase after heavy rainfalls and be harmful.
High levels of bacteria in the water can cause skin, ear, eye, nose and throat infections as well as stomach disorders, according to York Region Public Health.
For further information about recreational water quality in York Region contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-512-6228.
