Avoid Several Beaches Due To Bacteria Levels

Those planning to take a dip in the water at one of several local beaches may need to hold off.

Swimming is not permitted at Meenan’s Cove Beach in Quispamsis until further notice due to high levels of E. coli.

The bacteria was found during regular water testing by the Department of Health, according to a Facebook post from the town late Wednesday.

“The beach is closed and lifeguards are not on duty,” said the post.

Staff from the Department of Health are planning to re-test the water on Thursday.

Meanwhile, a no-swimming advisory is in effect at Oak Bay Provincial Park due to high bacteria levels.

Public Health first issued the advisory on July 14 following samples taken the previous day. It was extended two days later.

No-swimming advisories were also issued on Thursday, July 21, for Parlee Beach and Murray Beach provincial parks in southeastern New Brunswick due to high bacteria levels.

According to the province’s Water Monitoring Protocol for Provincial Park Beaches, swimming advisories are issued when the water has been deemed not suitable for swimming.

“Under this situation, users are advised to refrain from whole body contact with the water. Contact with the beach is usually permissible, and access to the facilities is generally not restricted,” said the protocol.

There is no word on how long the advisories will be in effect.