The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has released the results of its first beach water test of the season.
During the warm-weather months, the health unit conducts bacteria tests in the water off eight Windsor-Essex beaches. Following the first samples taken on Monday, two local beaches, Sandpoint in Windsor and Lakeview Park West Beach in Belle River, are under beach warnings.
Under a beach warning, high levels of E. coli bacteria turned up in samples taken. Swimming is not prohibited, but there is an increased risk of health issues. Swimming is at visitors' own risk.
The health unit says high bacteria levels in water may create a variety of problems, mainly with the digestive system.
"Swimming or playing in unsafe water may result in minor skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections, or symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea," said WECHU Environmental Health Manager Victoria Peczulis. "Those most at risk are children, elderly, and people with weakened immune systems."
The other six beaches tested, Point Pelee North West and Seacliff Park in Leamington, Cedar Island and Cedar in Kingsville, Colchester in Essex, and Holiday in Amherstburg, all passed testing and are available for swimming.
Complete information on beach testing and safety can be found on the health unit's official website.
