High E. coli counts in the water at Kaloya Regional Park have led to a swimming advisory, by the Interior Health Authority and the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO).
Residents should follow posted notices at Kaloya Regional Park by not swimming or engaging in water-related recreational activities.
If water is ingested, swimmers may develop gastrointestinal illness, skin rashes and/or eye, ear and throat symptoms.
According to the RDCO, the "very young, the very old and people with weakened immunity" are the most susceptible. Beach water quality can fluctuate due to factors including currents, runoff and the outflow of creeks, changing environmental factors and waterfowl and animal waste. Beach water quality is typically poorer in summer due to warmer water temperatures and the number of people swimming.
More information can be found at interiorhealth.ca. The RDCO recommends visiting the Kopje Regional Park instead, as it has a beach, swimming area and ample parking.
