MN Beaches

Description

Why is there an advisory at the beach, or the beach closed? During the summer months, monitoring staff throughout Minnesota check bacteria levels at many popular swimming and recreating beaches. They are looking for high-levels of 1 or 2 indicator bacteria called E. Coli and fecal coliform. The presence of either of these bacteria in water samples indicate the possible presence water-borne fecal contamination. This fecal contamination can make swimmers and water recreators sick. In the instance of elevated bacteria levels, staff will post a beach advisory or even close the potentially contaminated beach. What types of illnesses can I get from swimming or recreating in contaminated water? Swimming, playing, or recreating in contaminated water may result in minor illnesses such as sore throats, vomiting, fever, headache, sinus infections, stomach-ache and other flu-like symptoms. Other illnesses can include skin, ear, respiratory, eye, and wound infections, or more serious illnesses. Children, elderly, and people with weakened immune systems have a greater chance of getting sick when they come in contact with contaminated water. People who experience similar symptoms after water contact are recommended to contact the local county health department, and report their condition. County staff are required to report such illnesses to the Minnesota Department of Health for further investigation. What should I do if I went swimming and hadn’t seen the sign (or it was posted after I had been in the water)? Take a shower and wash swimsuits and towels (and other clothing that might have gotten wet) as soon as possible. Watch for signs of illness, particularly in children who may have accidentally swallowed lake water or submerged their heads. In the instance of illness, contact your county health department.

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