An advisory was issued by the Saskatchewan Health Authority that the water in Nickle Lake is not currently safe for swimming as of August 27th.
The beach is part of the SHA's Healthy Beaches program, through which testing has recently discovered unacceptable levels of E.coli bacteria.
Increased levels of E.coli can pose health risks to swimmers, including gastrointestinal illnesses. When bacterial concentrations exceed the recommended safe levels, a public health advisory is issued to alert the public and reduce the risk of illness.
Bacteria levels fluctuate in open, natural systems like lakes, and contamination from agricultural or surface runoff, wildlife, and weather can cause temporary spikes.
The SHA told Discover Weyburn that a posted advisory does not mean that individuals cannot use the beach. Beach areas and local amenities remain open to the public even when advisory posters are in place for recreational swimming areas.
Advisories are in place to support individuals in assessing their own personal risk based on the observed water quality, prior to making a decision to enter the water.
If an advisory is issued for a beach, the area is typically resampled within a week. These advisories are then lifted as soon as testing confirms the E. coli levels have returned to an acceptable range.
According to a social media post from Nickle Lake Regional Park, the advisory will remain in effect until samples are obtained and meet the guidelines indicating that E.coli levels in the water are acceptable.
Learn more about the Healthy Beaches program HERE.