Southampton Beach. Hub photo

Hub Staff

Grey Bruce Public Health and the Town of Saugeen Shores has alerted the public that the Southampton Beach is unsafe for swimming after water samples taken Wednesday showed bacterial levels exceeded Ontario Ministry of Health standards.

The results were received Friday afternoon, August 2.

Until samples return with levels showing an acceptable range for swimming, the Southampton Beach will remain posted. Due to the long weekend, GBPH doesn't expect to see new results until the middle of next week.

Residents and visitors are being advised to refrain from swimming or playing in the water or letting companion animals drink the water at the Southampton Beach until the no-swimming advisory has been lifted.

"When bacteria levels in beach water exceed Ontario guidelines, swimmers are at an increased risk of getting sick or an infection," said Senior Public Health Manager Andrew Barton.

The samples showing unsafe levels were taken from High Street to Beach Road. Samples from Gobles Grove and the Port Elgin Main Beach came back as safe.