Updated Aug. 18: Public Health Sudbury & Districts has lifted the swimming advisory that had been imposed on Maintenance Beach on Ramsey Lake. Sampling shows the bacteriological quality of the water is within safe bathing standards.
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Routine water samples from Ramsey Lake in Sudbury have turned up higher than acceptable bacteria levels. Public Health Sudbury and Districts said Tuesday it has posted swimming advisory signs informing the public that "beach water quality is not suitable for recreational use at this time." This follows routine water sampling, said PHSD.
The advisories apply to Maintenance Beach and the Northern Water Sports Centre beach. The health unit said that swimming advisories are precautionary notices that inform the public about specific risks to health and safety.
Going into the water when bacteria are present in high concentrations puts bathers at risk for infections. Illness can occur if swimmers swallow beach water; if water gets into their ears, eyes, or nose; or if it comes in contact with open wounds, said the health unit notice.
“We have enhanced our monitoring and will continue taking water samples,” said Jonathan Groulx, a manager with PHSD Health Protection Division.
PHSD said it will notify the public when the bacterial levels return to acceptable standards for bathing beaches. For information about beach water quality, visit www.phsd.ca.
