Swimming advisory re-issued for Rotary Beach

People are once again urged to stay out of the water at Kelowna’s Rotary Beach.

The city first issued a swimming advisory Thursday, August 22, and then lifted it the following day, but further testing found there to be high bacterial levels in the water again so the advisory was re-issued Tuesday, August 27.

“Although we saw an improvement in water quality at the end of last week, bacterial counts are back up at Rotary this week and require that we repost the swimming advisory. We are asking the public not to swim or engage in water-related recreation activities at Rotary Beach until we consistently see better water quality and we are confident that the advisory can be lifted,” Ed Hoppe, Kelowna’s water quality and customer care supervisor, said.

“Most people would be fine, but there is that one per cent who could become ill,” he said.

Signs have been posted around Rotary Park advising people to stay out of the water. The high bacteria levels can make people ill, especially those who are immunocompromised, young children, and the elderly.

Beach water quality is tested weekly and reported to Interior Health. Once sample testing shows the bacterial levels are within the safe swimming range, the advisory will be lifted.

In the meantime the city encourages people visit other area beaches.