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."
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7021823.1725146389!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Trudeau, steel plant worker have heated exchange during Sault Ste. Marie visit
After meeting with transit workers and the local mayor on Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continued his visit to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., where he canoed down St. Marys River and hosted a meet and greet at a local steel plant.
Johnny Gaudreau's widow, Meredith, remembers husband in heartfelt social media posts
The widow of Johnny Gaudreau called her husband 'the absolute best dad in the world' and thanked him for 'the best years of my life' in two Instagram posts shared Saturday.
More people than ever are eating alone at restaurants. This is why
The stigma of single dining has faded as more people live alone than ever before. Today, more people are making reservations for one.
Police charge 18 drivers for filming crash site on Hwy. 401
Ontario Provincial Police were busy on Saturday morning issuing tickets to distracted drivers allegedly using their phones to film a serious crash on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario.
49ers Ricky Pearsall shot by attackers during attempted robbery, in stable condition
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot Saturday during an attempted robbery, the city's mayor said.
Orangutan swung in 'cartwheel-like motion' before climbing down tower to escape: Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo says it has learned how one of its orangutans escaped from its enclosure earlier this week.
Man charged after alleged 'indecent act' in family shower area at Toronto pool
A 35-year-old Toronto man is facing charges after allegedly 'committing an indecent act' in the family shower area of a public pool.
A Norwegian princess marries an American self-styled shaman in front of a star-studded audience
Social media influencers, reality stars and TV personalities were among the guests as the Norwegian king's eldest child, Princess Martha Louise, married an American self-professed shaman on Saturday in a wedding ceremony following three days of festivities.
Rapper Fatman Scoop dies at 53 after collapsing on stage in Connecticut
Fatman Scoop, the rapper who topped charts in Europe with 'Be Faithful' in the early 2000s and later lent his distinctive voice and ebullient vibe to hits by such artists as Missy Elliott and Ciara, died after collapsing on stage at a show in Connecticut, according to officials and his family.