Swimming advisory lifted for West Kelowna’s Marina Park Beach

The City of West Kelowna has lifted a swimming advisory for Marina Park Beach after water quality tests showed bacterial levels had returned to acceptable levels.

The city, in consultation with Interior Health, announced Monday that recent test results met the standards outlined in the Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines, allowing the advisory to be removed effective immediately.

The advisory had been in place since Aug. 26 after elevated E. coli counts were detected in the water. Health officials said swimming in areas with higher bacteria levels, particularly in shallow water, can increase the risk of illness.

Officials note beach water quality can change quickly due to a variety of factors, including lake currents, plant debris, environmental conditions, waterfowl and other animal waste. Warm summer temperatures and activity that stirs up lake sediment can also contribute to higher bacterial levels.