Halifax warns against swimming at several beaches due to high bacteria levels

The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents to avoid swimming at several beaches in Dartmouth, Middle Sackville and Lake Echo due to high bacteria levels in the water.

The municipality says a recreational water quality advisory is in effect at Birch Cove Beach, Penhorn Beach, Shubie Park Beach and Albro Lake Beach in Dartmouth, Springhill Beach in Middle Sackville and Lake Echo Beach in Lake Echo.

While the water quality advisory is in effect, use of the beach area is at the user's own risk, read two news releases Thursday.

Lifeguards will remain on-site during regular hours to advise against swimming.

Some locals who were looking forward to enjoying the lake during the hot temperatures were disappointed to find out about the advisories.

“The kids wanted to get out and swim but, when we got here, the beach was closed. So, they’re just playing in the sand,” said Jenny Castilloux.

“I hate when beaches are closed but I get it’s a safety thing and it is a swim at your own risk and I won’t let them go in because I don’t want sick kids.”

Sean McAllister wasn’t swimming on Thursday, but that didn’t stop him from making use of the lake.

“Certainly changes some of the fishes feeding habits but it doesn’t change much in the way of catching it and eating it since cooking should kill all the bacteria. If not most of it that can hurt us,” he said.

According to the release, city staff regularly tests the water quality at all supervised municipal beaches during July and August.

Recent results indicate bacteria levels at these beaches exceed Health Canada guidelines.

High bacteria levels can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• dogs
• birds
• wildlife
• impacts from climate change, such as high temperatures, lower water levels and recent heavy rainfall

"Staff will continue testing the water and will lift the advisory when bacteria levels are once again within Health Canada guidelines," reads a release.

"The municipality will advise residents when this advisory is lifted."

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