Parlee reopens to swimming after missing big, hot weekend
No swimming advisory issued Saturday, Sunday at popular beach, despite soaring temperatures
After Parlee Beach marked its first hot weekend of the season with a no-swimming advisory, the popular swimming spot on the Northumberland Strait reopened Monday.
The advisory was issued for both Saturday and Sunday by the Department of Health as a preventive measure after heavy rainfall, which can lead to high bacteria levels in the water because of increased surface runoff — among other things.
Monday had some good news for those hoping to spend a day at the beach.
But a few people appeared reluctant to go, despite hearing from Parlee staff that the advisory was lifted.
"It's not good for swimming today," said Sue Jones, who lives in the area. "I guess the water's contaminated or something."
On the weekend, some visitors ignored the warning and could be seen swimming.
Christa Weber of Kingston, Ont., who is visiting with her husband, said the campground owner where they are staying advised them of poor water quality over the weekend, but that wasn't enough to scare the first-time tourists to the region.
"I saw the signs now that everything is OK, so the water is free to go," said Weber.
There have been three no-swimming advisory since Parlee Beach opened a little over two weeks ago — all because of rain.
After months of controversy over failing to advise the public of contaminated water at the beach, the Liberal government introduced new water-monitoring protocols in April that are in line with Canadian guidelines.
They include posting signs that clearly indicate if the water is suitable for swimming — 11 signs were installed this year in the provincial park — as well as monitoring the water more often.