Swimming advisory issued for several beaches on Manitoulin Island

Swimming advisory posted on Porcupine Lake outside of Timmins. (Sergio Arangio/CTV Northern Ontario)

Sudbury -

Public Health Sudbury & Districts issued a swimming advisory Thursday for Gore Bay Beach, Maple Ridge Sandy Beach, Mindemoya Public Beach No. 1, and Monument Road Beach, all on Manitoulin Island.

And Algoma Public Health has issued swimming advisories for Spruce and Spine Beaches in Elliot Lake.

The health units said in a news release the advisory is the result of routine water samples exceeding the acceptable bacteriological water quality standards.

A swimming advisory is a precautionary notice that informs the public about specific risks to health and safety.

"Going into the water when bacteria are present in high concentrations puts bathers at risk for infections," the release said.

"Illness can occur if swimmers swallow beach water; if water gets into their ears, eyes, or nose; or if it comes in contact with open wounds."

Signs have been posted to inform the public the beach water quality is not suitable for recreational use.

“We have enhanced our monitoring and will continue taking water samples,” Jonathan Groulx, a manager with the health unit's health protection division, said in the release.

Public Health will notify the public when the bacterial levels return to acceptable standards for bathing beaches. For information about beach water quality, click here.