Swimming advisory issued at Regina Beach after high levels of E. coli detected

High levels of E. coli detected in the water at Regina Beach has triggered the provincial government to issue a swimming advisory at Last Mountain Lake.

The advisory was issued after the water samples were taken through the province’s Healthy Beaches Program on Thursday and Friday.

“E. coli is found in the intestines of warm blooded animals and can be deposited on the beach and in the water by birds and other animals,” the Saskatchewan Health Authority explained in an email Friday.

“Wave action caused by storms and wind can stir up bacteria in the sand, causing E. coli levels in the swimming area to exceed the Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines.”

E. coli is a bacteria that — if ingested — can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps. For those who are eldery, immunocompromised or under five years old, there’s also a possibility it could lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, which destroys red blood cells and causes kidney failure.

Despite the province advising people not to swim in Last Mountain Lake, the Health Authroity says it’s still safe to go fishing as E. coli doesn’t affect the safety of the fish for consumption. However, it’s recommended people wash their hands after handling fish.

While the Healthy Beaches website won’t be updating its sample results until Monday, the Health Authority suggests people look out for the signs posted at the beach — if they’re taken down, people are safe to go in the water.