One of the region’s most popular beaches is warning swimmers about the quality of the water.
Parlee Beach in Shediac, N.B., has been dealing with water quality issues for just under two weeks.
Acting Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health for New Brunswick Dr. Cristin Muecke says there are a number of factors that cause a poor rating, including a presence of bacteria in water samples or unexpected weather events.
"Things like bathe overload, the number of people that are actually on the beach using the beach at that time, as well as even naturally things like the amount of sea weed in the water," said Muecke.
Warnings aren't uncommon in busy summer months. Currently four beaches in Nova Scotia are closed due to high bacteria levels.
Even though the rating went from poor to fair overnight Thursday, beach goers were still using caution.
"Little bit of concern,” said beach goer Greg Blanchfield. “It's as nice as Cavendish any day of the week, but the water a little foamy looking. But still nice."
"I know they said don't put your head under water and there's different things like that so I thought we'd gage it just to see whatever else is doing,” said another beach goer, Jackie Eadle. “If it's not safe that they would shut things down, I hope."
Others say they don't see any issues.
“I've been in and it seems alright,” said beach goer Neil Hannan. “Didn't see any scum on it or anything like that."
Provincial beaches around the region monitor the water quality on a weekly basis, but the health department says it's up to swimmers to decide whether they'll wade in or stay on the sand.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ashley Blackford.
