A popular Whistler beach is closed for swimming due to "high levels of coliform in the water," according to the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
In a post on its website, the municipality said the beach at Lakeside Park is closed for swimming until further notice. The rest of the park remains open.
"The closure will remain until follow-up water samples confirms the water quality meets Vancouver Coastal Health standards," the RMOW said.
An advisory posted on VCH's website showed a water sampling of Alta Lake at Lakeside Park resulted in a reading of 650 E. coli/100mL. VCH lists the limit as "equal to or greater than 400 E. coli/100 mL."
High levels of coliform are often caused by fecal matter—in Alta Lake's case, usually from geese. Exposure to high levels of coliform bacteria can lead to various health risks, including eye and skin irritation and gastrointestinal illness.
Rainbow Park Beach is also under investigation after a higher-than-expected sampling result, according to VCH's website, though swimming is not restricted at this time.
On its website, VCH offers some tips for swimming at public beaches:
- If showers are available, rinse off well as a precaution, paying special attention to any cuts or scrapes;
- If you believe you have been exposed to contaminated water, take a shower and wash swimsuits, towels and other clothing that might have been contaminated as soon as possible;
- If you start to feel sick, seek medical attention. Tell your doctor you may have been exposed to contaminated water, and contact your local health authority to report your illness.
