Grey Bruce Public Health, in consultation with the City of Owen Sound, has posted Kelso Beach at Nawash Park as unsafe for swimming after routine water-sampling results showed bacterial levels exceeding Ontario Ministry of Health standards.

The beach posting will remain in effect until further samples show levels have returned to within the acceptable range for swimming/bathing. Grey Bruce Public Health plans to take new samples from the beach early next week.

“While we know this swim advisory will be an inconvenience to some, especially during the August long weekend, we ask that residents and visitors respect this advisory as people are at an increased risk of getting sick or an infection when bacterial levels in beach water exceed Ontario guidelines,” says Senior Public Health Manager Andrew Barton.

Residents and visitors should refrain from swimming or playing in the water at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park or let pets drink or play in the water until the no-swimming advisory is lifted.

The splash pad at the park is not impacted by this advisory as it is only connected to municipal, treated water. The City of Owen Sound also advises that the water used in the Kelso Beach washrooms and other potable water at the park is safe to use.

Even if a beach is not posted as unsafe for swimming, Grey Bruce Public Health always recommends that people assess the water’s condition in real-time and use their best judgment before swimming or playing in the water. GBPH recommends avoiding swimming 24 to 48 hours after heavy rainfall, or if you can’t see your feet in waist-deep water.

Water with bacterial levels above provincial standards for bathing can increase the risk of skin, eye, ear, nose, and throat infections or gastrointestinal illness.