Pinehurst Lake safe for swimming.
Pinehurst Lake re-opened for swimming on Aug. 1 after the public beach was closed by health officials due to elevated E. coli counts.On Jul. 13, the beach was posted unsafe for swimming after several reports of swimmers experiencing nausea and diarrhea. The last case of illness connected to the lake was reported on Jul. 19.
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) reminds visitors to the conservation area that swimming in natural waters can be risky. Unlike public swimming pools, water in bathing beach areas do not get treated with filtration and chlorination.
Here are some tips to help keep you and others safe courtesy of the BCHU:
* Don't swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
* Don't swallow water. Avoid getting water in your mouth.
* Practice good hygiene. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet or changing diapers.
* Take your children on regular bathroom breaks and check diapers often. Waiting to hear "I have to go" may mean it's too late.
* Change diapers in bathrooms or at diaper-changing areas. Do not change diapers on the beach.
* Practice good hygiene with your children. Always wash their hands with soap and warm water.
During the summer months, the GRCA and local health units regularly tests the water in its pools and designated beaches to ensure water meets the guidelines set for swimming areas in Ontario. Beaches are posted when levels of E. coli bacteria exceed the Ministry of Health guidelines. A posting is a recommendation that swimming should be avoided or that individuals swim at their own risk.
Beach sampling starts at the end of May and ends before Labour Day weekend.
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| Publication: | Paris Chronicle (Paris, Canada) |
|---|---|
| Date: | Aug 16, 2012 |
| Words: | 286 |
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