Health officials probe B.C. lake waters after complaints from swimmers

VICTORIA – Complaints from swimmers of vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea have prompted Vancouver Island health officials to investigate the water quality at a popular lake.

The Island Health authority has announced that its investigating cases of gastroenteritis from people who swam at Thetis Lake Regional Park last Friday and Saturday.

The agency says it has sent more water samples from the Victoria-area lake to a lab for testing, even though recent tests did not indicate an increase of bacteria.

Island Health says it and the Capital Regional District are investigating other possible sources of contamination, such as a sick visitor.

In the meantime, it’s advising lake visitors who are ill not to swim, and others not to drink lake water, shower after swimming and wash their hands before eating and drinking.

The health authority says people should seek medical attention if their symptoms last longer than two days and they show signs of dehydration.