With temperatures rising, more than half of Niagara’s beaches were posted unsafe for swimming over the weekend.

But you wouldn’t have known it by going to Bay Beach, where thousands gathered on the sand — hundreds at a time in the water Sunday. Needing a place to cool off , people ignored prominently displayed signs from Niagara Region public health that water tests last week identified high bacteria levels at the popular Crystal Beach spot.

“All we can do is post an advisory informing the public that water quality is not what it should be. The rest, as to whether to heed that advisory, is up to the public,” said Bjorn Christensen, the department’s director of environmental health.

On Monday, however, officials lifted the advisory on Bay Beach and a number of other beaches across Niagara.

Thirty-four public beaches on Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the Niagara River are tested every week during June, July and August.

Some of the more well attended ones, such as Bay Beach, are tested more frequently.

When water samples show unacceptable levels of E. coli bacteria — as it did at 22 of them last week — a beach is posted with a sign to indicate it’s unsafe. A beach might also be posted unsafe for swimming because of floating debris, oil, excessive weed growth and bad odours.

Christensen said it’s common to find high bacteria counts at beaches after days of heavy rain and high winds.

E. coli is found in animal and human waste.

The presence of E. coli means other bacteria, viruses and parasites may also be present.

While people can swim in water with E. coli and not get sick, officials warn people could get infections of the ear, eye, nose, throat and skin, as well as diarrhea if the water is ingested. Young children, the elderly and those with depressed immune systems are most susceptible to infection.

On Monday afternoon, the unsafe status was lifted for many beaches, including Bay Beach, according to public health’s website.

Officials encourage people to enjoy some time at the beach, but they also caution them to stay safe by paying attention to warnings and protecting themselves from the sun, said Christensen.

Meanwhile, public health issued a smog alert Monday because of extreme heat and humidity.

“If you have to go out — especially if you’re going to remain outside for an extended period of time — it’s always a good idea to know the latest conditions,” said Christensen.

According to Environment Canada, sunshine and scalding temperatures will continue through Thursday, peaking at a high of 35 C Wednesday.

“It’s excruciatingly warm,” said David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada.

Phillips said he wasn’t surprised to see so many public beaches posted unsafe for swimming last week. He said Niagara experienced 90% more precipitation than usual in June.

Temperatures are expected to dip into the mid to late 20s Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a 60% chance of showers Friday and Saturday.

For more information about Niagara’s latest beach testing, visit www.niagararegion.caor call 905-688-8248, ext. 7789. For more information about excessive heat alerts, dial ext. 7197.

via Caution urged at beaches – Niagara Falls Review – Ontario, CA.