Algoma health authority issues swim advisories in Goulais River, Sault Ste. Marie

Algoma Public Health warns against swimming at Harmony Beach in Goulais River and Mark's Bay South in Sault Ste. Marie due to high bacteria levels.

Algoma Public Health has issued a swimming advisory for Harmony Beach in Goulais River, Ont. and Mark’s Bay South in Sault Ste. Marie, after water samples revealed elevated bacteria levels.

Advisory in effect after unsafe test results

Weekly testing conducted on Monday showed unsafe bacterial concentrations at both beaches.

Swimming in water with high bacteria levels can lead to skin, eye, nose, and throat infections, as well as stomach illness if water is swallowed.

The advisory remains in effect until follow-up samples confirm bacteria levels have returned to safe limits.

Weather can impact water quality

Environmental factors such as heavy rainfall, high winds or increased bird activity can contribute to elevated bacteria levels, which may persist for up to 48 hours. The health authority emphasizes that advisories do not close beaches or prohibit swimming but serve as a warning about water conditions at the time of sampling.

Public health continues to monitor water quality and will lift the advisory once test results meet safety standards.

How to reduce risk

To minimize health risks, swimmers are advised to avoid swallowing beach water, towel off after swimming and shower once at home.

Up-to-date beach conditions and a map of sampled locations can be found at algomapublichealth.com/beach.