Swimmers are being advised to stay away from three area beaches due to concerns about bacteria in the water.

According to the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit, beaches at Frankford Park (Trent River), Tweed Park (Stoco Lake), and Kingsford Conservation Area (Salmon River) are unsafe for swimming.

“High levels of bacteria E. coli in these waters may pose a risk to health,” stated the health unit in a warning released Friday.

The Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit monitors bathing beach water quality at designated public beaches within our jurisdiction.

Bathing beach water quality is monitored by the collection and analyses of water samples.

Samples are analyzed at a public health laboratory for the presence of E. coli bacteria.

When E. coli bacteria exceed the provincial standard, the bathing beach is considered to be unsafe for swimming.

When beaches are listed as “posted”, it means the E.coli bacteria in the water are at level that could cause skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections and stomach disorders. A posting occurs when the bacteria level exceeds 100 E.coli per 100 ml of water.

A posting is a warning only, and people can still swim but it is not recommended.

For additional beach information call the Beach Line at 613-966-5513 Ext: 652 or visit www.yourhealthunit.ca and click news/beach reports from the top menu bar.