Several Halifax-area beaches closed due to high bacteria levels
'Anyone who goes in and ingests any of the water, they are susceptible to becoming ill'
Three supervised beaches in the Halifax Regional Municipality, including two in Dartmouth, are closed due to high bacteria levels.
"Anyone who comes down and attempts to swim in the water will be met by a lifeguard simply letting them know that the beach is closed and the reason for it," said Lucas Wide, a spokesperson for the municipality.
Signs posted at Albro Lake Beach and Lake Banook's Birch Cove Beach in Dartmouth warn against swimming. The same signs are up at another supervised beach, Kinap Beach on Porters Lake.
The municipality tests the water quality weekly at all supervised municipal beaches during the summer months. The results have shown bacteria levels that exceed Health Canada guidelines for recreational use.
"It's a bacteria so anyone who does go in and ingests any of the water, then they are susceptible to becoming ill, vomiting, diarrhea," said Wide. "That's why the beaches are closed and the lifeguards [are] there to keep people out."
Unsupervised beaches are also tested and four are closed.
They include Black Rock Beach in Point Pleasant Park, the Dingle Beach at Sir Sandford Fleming Park, the Government Wharf Beach in Musquodoboit Harbour and Kinsman Beach on First Lake in Lower Sackville.
Naturally occurring factors, including weather conditions and waterfowl, are some of the factors contributing to the poor water quality.
A Natal Day beach party is slated to be held at the Dingle Beach on Monday.