Port Elgin Main Beach, Southampton Beach posted unsafe for swimming

Grey Bruce Public Health, in consultation with the Town of Saugeen Shores, has posted Port Elgin Main Beach and Southampton Beach as unsafe for swimming after water-sampling results showed bacterial levels exceeding Ontario Ministry of Health standards.

The beach postings will remain in effect until further samples show levels have returned to within the acceptable range for swimming/bathing.

“While we know residents and visitors want to enjoy these final weeks of August and make the most of summer, we respectfully ask that everyone follow this advisory and avoid swimming at Port Elgin Main Beach and Southampton Beach until the postings are lifted. Swimming in water with elevated bacterial levels can increase the risk of illness or infection,” says Senior Public Health Manager Chimere Okoronkwo.

GBPH took water samples from the two beaches earlier this week. Further samples will be taken Thursday. GBPH implements a beach water monitoring program each summer to test the water at high-use beaches in Grey-Bruce for E. coli levels.

Residents and visitors should refrain from swimming or playing in the beach water at Port Elgin Main Beach and Southampton Beach and should not let pets drink or play in the water until the unsafe-for-swimming advisory is lifted.

Even if a beach is not posted as unsafe for swimming, Grey Bruce Public Health always recommends that people assess the water’s condition in real time and use their best judgment before swimming or playing in the water. GBPH recommends avoiding swimming 24 to 48 hours after heavy rainfall, or if you can’t see your feet in waist-deep water.

Water with bacterial levels above provincial standards for bathing can increase the risk of skin, eye, ear, nose, and throat infections or gastrointestinal illness.

Visit the Grey Bruce Public Health website for more information on beach monitoring.