Swim Advisory Issued for Southampton Beach Due to High Bacterial Levels
Grey Bruce Public Health has posted a swim advisory for Southampton Beach after testing found bacterial levels above provincial safety standards. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid swimming.
Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH), in consultation with the Town of Saugeen Shores, has issued a swim advisory for Southampton Beach after routine testing detected bacterial levels exceeding Ontario Ministry of Health standards.
The advisory, posted Wednesday, August 13, will remain in place until follow-up testing confirms the water is safe for swimming and bathing.
“While we understand that this posting will be an inconvenience to some, we respectfully ask that residents and visitors respect this swim advisory as people are at an increased risk of getting sick or an infection when bacterial levels in beach water exceed Ontario guidelines,” said Senior Public Health Manager Andrew Barton.
Water samples collected by GBPH on Tuesday, August 12, showed elevated E. coli levels. Additional results will be shared as soon as they are available. GBPH regularly monitors high-use beaches across Grey-Bruce for E. coli contamination, and officials confirmed that no other beaches are affected by this posting.
Public health advises residents and visitors to avoid swimming or wading in the water at Southampton Beach, and to prevent pets from drinking or playing in the lake until the advisory is lifted. Elevated bacterial levels can increase the risk of skin, eye, ear, nose, and throat infections, as well as gastrointestinal illness.
Updates on beach water quality are available through Grey Bruce Public Health’s website and public notices.