alebloshka / Depositphotos.com
Local health officials will be hitting local beaches across the Ottawa Valley this summer with your safety in mind.
The Renfrew County District Health Unit regularly checks conditions at municipal beaches and other sites with public access over the summer swimming season, testing for E. coli bacteria, and monitoring harmful issues like algae blooms, chemical contamination, or other physical dangers.
E. coli contamination can be caused by other bathers, boaters, bad weather, local wildlife, and sewage. Swimming in waters with high levels of the bacteria can lead to symptoms like skin rashes, eye, ear, nose, and throat infections, and both intestinal and stomach sickness.
The RCHDU shares results from their testing regularly on their website, and officials will post signs at beaches to warn residents when the water is not recommended for swimming.
(written by Kasey Egan)
