Another popular Whistler beach is closed for swimming due to high fecal coliform levels.
In a post on its website on July 29, the Resort Municipality of Whistler said Rainbow Park beach is now closed, following the second closure of Lakeside Park beach late last week.
"Vancouver Coastal Health has directed Rainbow Park beach to be closed due to high levels of coliform in the water," the post reads. "The rest of the park and facilities are open. The closure will remain until follow-up water samples confirm the water quality meets Vancouver Coastal Health standards."
VCH closes beaches when “conditions are present that indicate continued operation of the beach is dangerous to the public,” according to its health protocols.
While sample results from Rainbow Park beach have yet to be posted, water sample results at Lakeside Park beach from July 25 showed 412 E.coli/100mL of E. coli—well above the VCH closure threshold of equal to or greater than 200 E. coli/100 mL.
Coliform bacteria, often caused by fecal contamination—in Alta Lake’s case, usually from geese—can lead to health issues including skin and eye irritation or gastrointestinal illness.
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.
