Swimming advisory lifted at Kelowna beach

KELOWNA – Less than a day after imposing a swimming advisory at Kelowna’s Rotary Beach, Interior Health lifted it today, Aug. 30.

“Regular testing indicates the beach now meets the guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality at 60 E. coli per 100-millilitre sample,” states the City of Kelowna in a news release.

The ban was imposed after counts hit 420, well above the 200 standard for E. coli.

Swimming was not banned at the beach but people were advised not to go in the water. The City had said yesterday, "the very young, the elderly and people with weakened immunity are the most susceptible to infection related to bacterial counts in the water."

"Beach water quality can fluctuate due to a number of factors including lake currents, changing environmental factors, waterfowl, warm weather and swimmers which stirs up the lake bottom,” parks services manager Blair Stewart said in the release.

The City asks beachgoers to follow these rules to enhance beach water quality in local parks:

• Do not feed the birds.
• Do not take your pet to the beach; dogs are only permitted at the Cedar Creek Park, Lake Avenue, Poplar Point and Kerry Park splash beaches.
• Do not litter – dispose of all waste in garbage cans.
• Change diapered children frequently in the bathroom, not at the beach.
• Dispose of boat sewage in onshore sanitary facilities.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet or after changing diapers.
• you have diarrhea please do not swim.
• Call 71-PARKS if you see something that needs our attention.

For more information, visit kelowna.ca/parks or call the Swimming Advisory Hotline at 250-469-8455.

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