Two more Manitoulin Island area beaches are under a swimming advisory after routine water samples exceeded acceptable bacteriological water quality standards, said Public Health Sudbury and Districts this week.
Signs have been posted at Maple Ridge Sandy Beach and Mindemoya Public Beach No. 1 to inform the public that the beach water quality is not suitable for recreational use at this time.
On July 22, the health unit issued advisories for two other area beaches, Monument Road Beach and Gore Bay Beach.
Going into the water when bacteria are present in high concentrations puts bathers at risk for infections. Illness can occur if swimmers swallow beach water; if water gets into their ears, eyes, or nose; or if it comes in contact with open wounds.
“We have enhanced our monitoring and will continue taking water samples,” said Jonathan Groulx, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts will notify the public when the bacterial levels return to acceptable standards for bathing beaches. For information about beach water quality, visit PHSD.ca.