Grey Bruce Public Health has posted Port Elgin Main Beach and Southampton Beach as unsafe for swimming after recent water testing found bacterial levels above Ontario Ministry of Health standards. The advisories, issued in consultation with the Town of Saugeen Shores, will remain in effect until follow-up testing shows bacterial levels have returned to an acceptable range for swimming and 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,” Senior Public Health Manager Chimere Okoronkwo said in a statement. Grey Bruce Public Health collected water samples from the two beaches earlier this week. Additional samples are scheduled to be taken Thursday as officials continue to monitor conditions. Public health officials are advising residents and visitors to avoid swimming or playing in the water at the affected beaches. Pet owners are also being urged not to allow animals to drink or play in the water until the advisory is lifted. Grey Bruce Public Health recommends avoiding swimming for 24 to 48 hours after heavy rainfall or when water clarity is poor enough that a person cannot see their feet in waist-deep water. According to the health unit, water with bacterial levels above provincial bathing standards can increase the risk of skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections, as well as gastrointestinal illness.
