Beaches will be sampled on a weekly basis during the summer for bacteriological levels. There are health risks associated with swimming in contaminated water include ear, eye and nose infections, as well as gastrointestinal infections. As the E. coli bacteria count exceeds 100, the health risk increases accordingly.

From our experience, we have found that weather conditions are the leading factor that can adversely affect water quality. Bacteria levels will increase in accordance with the amount of rainfall, or strength of the wind blowing onto the shore. We do not recommend swimming for at least 24-48 hours after a rainfall, or if the water is cloudy and churned up from a strong on-shore wind. Calm, clear water is usually associated with lower bacterial levels, while rough or cloudy water has been associated with high counts.