Swim Safe Brochure - Lambton Public Health

When to Avoid Swimming
160 Exmouth Street
Point Edward, ON N7T 7Z6
Beach Water Quality Info Line:
519-383-3816
1-800-667-1839 ext. 3816
Results posted
on the web:
www.lambtonhealth.on.ca
Since the water quality at Lake Huron
beaches can change day-to-day, and
sometimes even hour-to-hour following a
heavy rainfall or high wave activity, Lambton
Public Health encourages the public to read
the signs posted at area beaches before
going into the water and to avoid swimming
if:
1. The beach is posted with the Red and
Black “WARNING” sign
- or 2. The water is cloudy and you cannot see
your feet when standing in waist-high
water (adult height)
Taking Action
Ongoing programs to reduce and/or eliminate
bacterial contaminants include:
Wear sunglasses that block both
UVA and UVB rays.
Rub on sunscreen (SPF 15
or higher) with UVA and UVB
protection.
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Sewer separation projects;
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Installation of sanitary sewers.
Construction of storm water retention
facilities; and
These projects improve the water quality of
the St. Clair River and Lake Huron.
Do not swim if the water is cloudy. Cloudy
water means sediment from the bottom of the
lake has been stirred up and become
suspended. Bacteria may be found in the
sediment.
To check Beach Water Quality
(June through September)
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Call the Beach Water Quality Info line:
519-383-3816
Toll Free 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3816
Visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca
Swim
Safe
Check your local newspaper
Listen to the radio for updates
It’s Your Choice
.
Do your part around your home:
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Upgrade septic systems.
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Where appropriate, detach eavestroughs
from sewers so they discharge onto lawns.
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Remove dog or cat droppings
immediately from the ground.
Reduce your household water use.
If you farm, ensure that runoff from feedlots
and manure piles is properly contained.
Wear a hat with a wide brim.
Use a beach umbrella or seek
shade from UV rays,
especially during mid-day.
Adapted from The Ontario Ministry of Environment
pamphlet "Why Beaches Are Posted"
Released 04.2014
Beach Water
Quality Program
LAMBTON PUBLIC HEALTH
Beach Water Quality Overview
What can affect Beach Water Quality?
Health is defined as "a beach area, owned
and operated by a municipality, which has a
supervised aquatics program or is staffed by
a lifeguard" (MOHLTC, Beach Management
Protocol, 2008).
Lambton County is home to many popular
beach destinations along the shores of Lake
Huron from Canatara Park to Grand Bend.
Each year local residents and thousands of
tourists use the water to swim and play
recreational sports. Lambton Public Health
conducts a Beach Water Quality Program to
protect and promote public health and safety.
The program focuses on the routine
surveillance of area beaches. Public
education and communication regarding safe
water are also important aspects of the
program.
From late May to early September, the water
at the following beaches are monitored and
tested weekly by Lambton Public Health:
1. Grand Bend (North and South Beaches)
2. Pinery Provincial Park
3. Ipperwash Main Beach
4. Highland Glen
The Medical Officer of Health determines
which beach areas are to be routinely
monitored and tested during the summer.
Beaches monitored by Lambton Public
5. Bright’s Grove (Inlcuding Mike Weir Park)
6. Canatara Park
N
4. Highland Glen Beach
Less often, beaches are posted because of
floating debris, oil, scum, or excessive algae
growth.
Before you enter the water:
• Assess the present conditions.
• Make an informed decision about whether to
swim or not.
5. Bright’s Grove and
Mike Weir Park Beach
6. Canatara Park Beach
The Red and Black “WARNING” sign notifies swimmers
that the water is UNSAFE for swimming due to high levels
of E.coli bacteria.
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other harmful bacteria, parasites and/or
viruses in the water than can increase a
swimmer's risk of developing irritations and
infections.
• Conditions can change day-by-day and even
hour-by-hour depending on factors such as wind,
high wave activity, heavy rainfall, and wildlife.
• Following these events, beach water may be
contaminated with high levels of bacteria for up to
2 days.
K
Port Huron
Warning signs are posted at public beaches
when results from water tests show high
levels of E. coli bacteria. E. coli bacteria are
found in the feces of all warm-blooded
animals. The water is tested for E. coli
because unacceptable levels (greater than
100 E. coli per 100 ml of water) of these
organisms indicate the potential presence of
The Yellow and Black “CAUTION” sign is an information
sign only. It DOES NOT INDICATE THE BEACH IS
POSTED. It is intended to caution the public:
3. Ipperwash Beach
RO
LA
When are Warning Signs Posted at a Beach?
To assist the public in determining if it is safe to swim, all beaches monitored by
Lambton Public Health have been equipped with these signs.
2. Pinery Provincial Park Beach
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EH
Heavy rainfall is a concern because:
• Elevated levels of E. coli often occurs
following heavy rainfall due to surface
water runoff.
• Fecal material from pets, wildlife and birds
can also wash into storm sewers, rivers
and lakes.
Rainfall
Wave action
Waterfowl (birds)
Industrial wastes
Storm water outflows
Septic system wastes
Agricultural run-off
Read the Signs
1. Grand Bend North
and South Beach
Beach Water
Sampling Locations
in Lambton County
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