Niagara Region Public Health encourages residents and visitors to have a healthy experience at the beach this summer.
NIAGARA REGION, May 20, 2016 – With the arrival of the warm weather comes a trip to the beach. Niagara Region Public Health encourages residents and visitors to have a healthy experience at the beach this summer.
Niagara Region Public Health tests beach water quality, effective now through to the end of summer, to make sure the level of bacteria in the water is safe for swimming. Entering the water with high bacteria levels can can cause eye, ear, nose, throat and skin infections, as well as stomach problems if the water is swallowed.
Therefore, Public Health encourages residents and visitors to view beach water testing results online at www.niagararegion.ca/water. These results are easily accessible on mobile devices. As well, the mobile-friendly webpage will let you know which beach you are closest to and give you its latest update immediately. Residents and visitors are also reminded to look for posting signs that inform swimmers about high levels of bacteria in the water.
Additional factors that may cause bacteria levels to rise include numerous birds or waterfowl, a large number of people swimming, wind and high waves, cloudy water, and heavy rainfall.
Help keep our beaches clean by doing your part and do not feed birds or animals, do not use soaps or shampoos in the water, use the washroom facilities provided, and place garbage in bins or take it with you.
For more information on the beach water testing visit www.niagararegion.ca/water
