Swimming advisory posted for beach

A swimming advisory has been issued for Strathcona Beach on Abbot Street in Kelowna due to elevated bacterial counts.

The advisory is a notice to swimmers that bacterial levels are currently higher than those allowed in the Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality. The beach is not closed, but swimming advisory signs have been posted so that the public can make an informed choice.

The very young, the elderly and people with weakened immunity are the most susceptible to infection related to bacterial counts in the water. It’s expected that one per cent of bathers may potentially develop gastrointestinal (stomach) illness if water is ingested. Eye, ear and throat symptoms, as well as skin rashes (not swimmer’s itch), can occur more frequently.

“We are asking the public not to swim or engage in water-related recreation activities at Strathcona Beach until the water quality advisory has been lifted,” said Blair Stewart, Park Services Manager. “Most people would be fine, but there is that one per cent who could become ill if they ingest the water.”

Other Kelowna beaches are not under a swimming advisory and meet all recreational water quality guidelines.

Beach water quality can fluctuate due to a number of different factors including currents, runoff, creek outflows, and waterfowl. The City of Kelowna and Interior Health sample water quality at higher risk beaches, with no fewer than five samples in a 30-day period.

When a swimming advisory is in place, signs will be posted at the affected beach. Once testing shows bacteria levels have returned to acceptable levels, the Swimming Advisory will be lifted.

While there is an advisory at Strathcona Beach, the City has several other designated swimming beaches for residents and visitors to enjoy. A map of all Kelowna beaches is available on the City’s website, kelowna.ca.