The Town of Cobourg and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit would like to advise citizens to exercise caution around the stagnant pools of water accumulating in and around the Cobourg beach and waterfront.
Due to the high Lake Ontario water levels excess water has been pooling on top of the sand at the Cobourg beach. The local Health Unit warns citizens of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria and other harmful bacteria that develops in stagnant water. Citizens are asked to avoid swimming or sitting in these pools so as to not contract any illness or disease. Citizens should also deter their pets from swimming in or drinking from this water as it can be dangerous to animals as well.
“We strongly advise people not to swim in the stagnant pools of water as they are more susceptible to having high bacteria counts that can cause someone to become ill,” explains Bernie Mayer, the Environmental Health Manager with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. “Parents in particular should keep children away from any stagnant water.”
Weekly Beach Water Testing
The Health Unit’s weekly beach testing program begins this month and will continue until the end of August. Unsafe beaches will be posted online when bacteria counts are above the provincial standards. When this happens, there is a greater chance of people getting an eye, ear, nose or throat infection or stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Citizens are asked to visit the Health Unit’s website http://www.hkpr.on.ca to ensure that the beach they are visiting is safe for swimming.
“Weekly beach water test results will be updated every Thursday afternoon on the Health Unit’s website and on our Facebook and Twitter pages. People can also call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5006 and speak to a Public Health Inspector,” says Mayer. “This season, people can watch for new metal signs being placed at local beaches. Besides being more durable, these signs are also more visible for people to see whether a beach is safe for swimming.”
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns please contact visit the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s website at http://www.hkpr.on.ca or call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5006.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
