The Grey Bruce Health Unit is expanding the focus of its Beach Management program in 2016 to bring attention to a broader range of safety issues.

Saugeen Shores, and the region as a whole, is home to beautiful coastline and beaches, but these waters demand respect. The public is urged to be aware of the dangers the lakes can pose. Even when not necessarily required by law, using personal flotation devices (PFDs) and other safety equipment can reduce risk, especially for children and inexperienced swimmers.

Recognizing the potential for rip tides, undertows and dangerous wave conditions; and learning how to deal with these situations is potentially lifesaving.

Large numbers of waterfowl, dead fish, and algae or scum can make water unfit for swimming. The Grey Bruce Health Unit recommends always making safety your first concern.

Monitoring is underway for the season, and will continue until Labour Day weekend, at eight beaches in Grey and Bruce including Port Elgin Main Beach, Gobles Grove and Southampton Beach. And through partnerships with the Municipality of Saugeen Shores and Parks Canada, an additional two locations are sampled including MacGregor Point Provincial Park.

Samples are checked for E Coli levels with the results posted to publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

The results reflect water quality at the time samples were taken and while conditions remain constant. However, water quality can quickly change due to heavy rain or increased turbidity from wind and wave action.

A beach is posted unsafe when there is evidence of an increased risk to the health and safety of its users. However, do not use a beach posting, or lack thereof, as the only measure of water quality. Avoid swimming for at least 24 hours after heavy rains; or generally, if you can’t see your feet standing waist deep it is likely water quality is not suitable for swimming.