The Barwick and Morley Park beaches remain closed due to high levels of bacteria after being declared “unsafe for swimming” last Thursday.
“The second set of samples came back bad,” said Bill Limerick, environmental health team leader with the Northwestern Health Unit.
The beaches will remain closed until two consecutive samples come back from the Thunder Bay testing lab with low-level results. The next sample will be coming back today or tomorrow.
“One of our guesses as to why there are high levels is that there’s been a lot of rain in that area,” noted Limerick. “Rain means high water levels and run-off from farmers’ fields.”
Bacteria from animal waste can cause mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea for swimmers exposed to it.
Morley Beach was closed once before earlier this month while Hannam Park Beach in Rainy River and the beach at Sunny Cove Camp were closed last month.
Pither’s Park beach here is tested on a weekly basis but has not yet been closed to swimming this summer because of high levels of bacteria.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
