Cobourg Harbour Unsafe for Non-Propelled Watercraft Due to E. coli

Pete Fisher
2 years ago
• Categories: City Hall, Local

The Town of Cobourg would like to advise all residents and guests that the Cobourg Harbour is currently unsafe for non-propelled watercraft due to recent reports of high E.coli levels.

Under the Direction of the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, the Town of Cobourg uses the three-colour notification system to report beach water test results at the Harbour and Victoria Beach.

• Low Risk 0-199 Colony-forming Unit (c.f.u) – Green means a beach is open/safe for swimming and recreational activities.
• Medium Risk 200-999 Colony-forming Unit. – Yellow is a warning that high counts of bacteria may be present in the water and swimming is not advised at this time as it may lead to illness. If people choose to swim, they should avoid dunking their heads or swallowing water.
• High Risk 1000 Colony-forming Unit – Closed (do not swim, not open for public use)

During recent testing, the Harbour E. coli levels reported over 1000 c.f.u, therefore, the Town of Cobourg has switched signage to red, notifying high risk. If water with high E. coli numbers is ingested, it may cause upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at a greater risk for serious illness from infected waters.

At this time, the harbour is unsafe for swimming and non-propelled watercraft such as kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and stand-up-paddleboarding. Residents are reminded that swimming in the harbour is always prohibited due to the standard presence of E. coli.  (Town of Cobourg Parks By-law, By-Law number 022-2016, 40.7)

More testing will be completed, and the Town of Cobourg will advise when the area is once again safe for non-propelled watercraft and recreation. The E. coli numbers at the Victoria Beach are currently Low Risk.

 

Check Signage Before Usage:

Residents and guests are reminded to check the Water Quality Forecast signage posted at the Cobourg Harbour and Victoria Beach prior to participating in any water activity.