A popular Northern Ontario beach destination has been deemed unsafe for swimmers as summer temperatures rise across the region. Algoma Public Health (APH) has issued a swim advisory for Goulais River Beach following recent water quality testing that revealed elevated bacteria levels exceeding provincial safety standards.
Water samples collected on July 18 showed E. coli bacteria counts surpassing Ontario’s recreational water quality threshold of 200 E. coli per 100 milliliters of water. This contamination poses potential health risks to beachgoers, particularly those who may swallow water while swimming.
“When bacteria levels exceed provincial standards, there’s an increased risk of gastrointestinal illness and skin infections for people who choose to enter the water,” said Dr. Jennifer Loo, Medical Officer of Health for Algoma Public Health. “While the beach remains open, we strongly advise against swimming until testing confirms the water meets safety guidelines.”
Health officials note that bacteria levels can fluctuate rapidly due to various environmental factors including rainfall, water temperature, and wildlife activity near shorelines. The advisory will remain in effect until subsequent testing confirms E. coli concentrations have returned to acceptable levels.
For residents seeking alternative swimming locations, APH recommends checking the current status of other beaches in the region before planning outings. The health unit conducts regular monitoring at public beaches throughout Northern Ontario during the summer months.
Local officials are investigating potential sources of the contamination, which could include recent heavy rainfall washing pollutants into the water, wildlife waste, or other environmental factors affecting water quality in the Goulais River area.
Visitors to affected beaches should observe posted advisory signs and take precautionary measures including avoiding swallowing water, washing hands before handling food, and showering after beach activities. Children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems face heightened risks from contaminated water exposure.
This advisory comes as many Canadian communities experience peak summer tourism season, with waterfront activities serving as crucial economic drivers for local businesses. The economic impact of beach closures and advisories can be significant for regions dependent on seasonal recreation.
As climate patterns continue changing across the country, how will increasing water temperature variability and extreme weather events affect the future reliability of our recreational waterways?
