E. coli levels are high enough at a popular Kelowna beach for the city to issue a swimming advisory. Rotary Beach on Lakeshore Road isn't closed but a swimming advisory is in place so swimmers can make an informed decision and swim at their own risk.
Image Credit: Rotary Club of Kelowna
August 22, 2024 - 1:51 PM
E. coli levels are high enough at a popular Kelowna beach for the city to issue a swimming advisory.
Rotary Beach on Lakeshore Road isn't closed but a swimming advisory is in place so swimmers can make an informed decision and swim at their own risk, according to a City of Kelowna media release issued today, Aug. 22.
The very young, elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at risk if they swim and ingest the water in Okanagan lake at Rotary beach.
When the E. coli levels are high roughly 1% of swimmers may develop gastrointestinal illness when the bacteria is swallowed. Eye, ear and throat symptoms, as well as skin rashes, although not swimmer’s itch, can occur.
The bacteria in the water is currently higher than allowed according to the BC Recreational Water Quality Guidelines. The maximum allowable number is 400 units of E. coli bacteria per 100 millilitres of water.
“We’re seeing a greater amount of plant material in that part of Okanagan Lake as well as the presence of ducks and geese, which can result in higher bacterial counts," the city's Ed Hoppe said in a the release.
"We are asking the public not to swim or engage in water-related recreation activities at Rotary Beach until the beach water quality advisory has been lifted. Most people would be fine, but there is that one per cent who could become ill.”
While beach water is typically tested weekly and reported to Interior Health, the city said, testing frequency increases to daily testing as bacteria levels grow to be more concerning for health risks.
Other beaches in Kelowna are currently not under advisory but there is a current swimming advisory at Reiswig Regional Park Beach in Lake Country.
For more information check out the city's parks web page here or call the swimming advisory hotline at 250-469-8455.
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