July 13, 2005
On July 11, elevated levels of E. coli bacteria were observed at nine beaches in the south basin of Lake Winnipeg. Advisories are being issued today for Hnausa Beach on the west side of Lake Winnipeg, and Albert and Hillside beaches on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.
Advisories have been previously issued for six of the nine beaches: Gull Harbour, Spruce Sands, Gimli, Sandy Hook, Winnipeg Beach and Matlock. These advisory signs will remain in place for the remainder of the beach season.
Although the majority of swimmers will not become ill, the possibility of illness increases with rising counts. The most common health risks that can occur are gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea, upper respiratory tract, eye, ear, nose or throat infections and skin ailments.
Monitoring of the lake is ongoing. At this time, members of the public who swim or have recreational contact with lake water at posted beaches are advised to avoid swallowing lake water when playing or swimming, wash your hands before handling food, stay away from the water if you are experiencing digestive or intestinal problems and reduce exposure to the lake water if water levels are high and the wind is coming from the north.
Winds from the north and high water levels are associated with higher bacteria counts. High water levels and strong winds occurred in the south basin of Lake Winnipeg on July 10 and 11. Based on experience from previous years, as water levels drop and favourable weather conditions develop (sunny and calm winds), it is anticipated that bacteria counts will fall over the coming days. Weather and lake level information appears to be relatively predictive of bacteria counts, based on intensive monitoring done this summer and from previous summers.
Previous experience with beaches in the Lake Winnipeg south basin has shown that elevated levels often occur for very short periods of time and then return to below guideline thresholds.
Manitobans can help prevent increased levels of bacteria by:
- not leaving litter on the beach,
- not discarding food on the beach,
- changing diapered children often and disposing of the diaper properly, and
- not allowing pets on the beach.
Each year, major beaches are monitored. Included are the major beaches on Lake Winnipeg, in the Whiteshell Provincial Park, and in the south, central and western regions.
Further information on the clean beach program in Manitoba can be obtained through a new service being offered by Health Links-Info Santé, which can be accessed by calling 788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
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