For Immediate Release
Friday, May 17, 2024 | 4:00 PM |Essex County
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has launched the 2024 beach water quality testing program at 8 local beaches. On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, beach water samples were taken by Public Health Inspectors as a part of pre-season assessments from Sandpoint Beach, Lakeshore Lakeview Park West Beach, Point Pelee North West Beach, Seacliff Park Beach, Cedar Island Beach, Cedar Beach, Colchester Beach, and Holiday Beach.
Until end of August, routine weekly beach sampling will take place weekly on Wednesdays (unless noted otherwise) starting May 22, 2024 and the test results will be posted on the Health Unit’s website during the summer. Water samples are sent for analysis of E. coli bacteria count analysis.
This season’s first sampling results are posted on wechu.org, and available by calling the beach hotline at 519-258-2146, extension 1490. Follow the Health Unit’s Facebook and Twitter pages for notification of beach warnings and closures.
Public beaches must post a warning or a closure sign if the beach results show higher than acceptable levels of E. coli bacteria. The public should also avoid swimming after a heavy rainfall as pollution in beach water is often much higher during and right after rainstorms.
Tips to stay safe at the beach:
- Check for the most recent beach results before going into the water.
- Read and obey the signs posted at the beach.
- Don’t go swimming if you can’t see your feet underwater when you’re standing in waist deep water.
- Don’t go swimming if the water is rough, cloudy, or green.
- Don’t swim for at least 48 hours after a heavy rainfall or wind.
- If you think you may have become ill from beach water, consult your health care provider.
For more beach safety information, please visit the Health Unit’s Beach Water Testing webpage.