Swimming advisory issued for Kelowna’s Rotary Beach

A swimming advisory has been issued for Rotary Beach in Kelowna after water testing found elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.

The beach remains open, but the City of Kelowna has posted advisory signs and is asking the public to avoid swimming and other water-related recreational activities until the advisory is lifted.

E. coli levels above 235 units per 100 millilitres exceed the maximum recommended level under Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines. Exposure to elevated levels of the bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness and may also lead to eye, ear or throat symptoms and skin rashes.

Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are considered more susceptible to infection.