Chatham-Kent’s medical officer of health urges beachgoers to exercise common sense during the hot summer months.
“Swimming, like all things, nothing is completely risk free. Swimming at the beach has some risks; swimming in any natural waterway has risks,” Dr. Shanker Nesathurai said at a recent board of health meeting. “These risks can be effectively managed.”
There are invisible risks, such as micro-organisms, which include giardia and E. coli. Public Health officials do test for E. coli, but Nesathurai urges the public to take a look at the water before plunging in.
“Public Health tests the water at all nine public beaches. At some of these beaches, we take multiple samples,” he said. “But we only test for E. coli. We don’t test for all the possible organisms that might cause infection.”
Nesathurai said there is also a risk from algae, as some strains produce toxins.
He urges potential beach goers to visit the public health website to check on recent water sampling at their destination, but to go one step further when at an open beach.
“Before you go, check the website out. It will give you some idea of potential risk,” he said. “But assess the weather. Was there a heavy rain? Was there high winds? This can affect the water.”
At the beach, look at the water.
“If it looks bad, it probably is bad,” Nesathurai said. “Are there lots of dead fish?”
If the water looks OK, go in up to your waist and observe. Nesathurai said if you can’t see your feet, the water conditions could be questionable.
With all the precautions, people can still become ill.
“If you get sick, visit your doctor or nurse practitioner. Tell them you’ve been to the beach. It will impact their treatment plan,” Nesathurai said.
