SWIM ADVISORIES SUMMER PLAGUE. WHY?

MUSKOKA — Finding a safe beach to swim at this summer is becoming a daily challenge.

Off and on swim advisories from the health unit are popping up each day causing scorched residents to wonder why.

Other beaches in Simcoe-Muskoka are also affected.

Tuesday, July 28, Port Sydney Beach and two more in Gravenhurst came under advisement not due to higher than recommended bacteria counts.

All three have been under similar recommendations this summer and also been cleared, often within days.

It doesn’t mean you can’t swim — just that it’s not a good idea.

And definitely don’t put your head under the water or drink it.

The towns of Huntsville and Gravenhurst posted signs on the advice of beach water samples collected by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) on Monday July 27.

They collect samples Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.

In Gravenhurst it has been recommended that Muskoka Bay Beach be posted with swim advisory signs. The beach itself will remain open to the public.

This is in addition to the swim advisory at Gull Lake Rotary Park Beach.

During a swim advisory, the beach is posted with warning signs that the most recent water samples showed bacteria in numbers that may increase your risk of developing minor skin, eye, ear, nose or throat infections, or stomach illness. If you choose to swim during a swim advisory, avoid submerging your head or swallowing the water. Please visit the Town’s website for beach COVID-19 safety protocols and additional swimming options in Gravenhurst.

For additional information on beach water testing, please visit the SMDHU website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/SafeWater/BeachWater/BeachPostings. The Town will continue to communicate updates as they become available.

In Gravenhurst, Muskoka Bay Beach in West Gravenhurst and Gull Lake Rotary Park join Port Sydney Beach under swim advisories.