A water advisory has been posted for Marina Way Beach following a test conducted on May 18, 2021 that identified higher than normal levels of bacteria.
The test found 890 colony-forming units of E. coli per 100 millilitres, which is more than 490 higher than the acceptable amount. A retest on May 22, 2021 confirmed the numbers from the May 18th test.
The advisory has been posted to warn swimmers about the situation at Okanagan Lake Marina Way Beach.
The possibility of illness increases with the bacteria level. Authorities do not believe anyone will become sick, but are still asking swimmers to take a number of precautions.
Swimmers are asked to avoid swallowing lake water, to wash their hands before handling food and to not swim with an open cut or if ill.
Under conditions where bacteria may be washed into the water from the shore, such as strong northern winds or if the lake level is high, authorities suggest not swimming.