Grey Bruce Public Health, in consultation with the Town of Saugeen Shores, has posted the Southampton Beach as unsafe for swimming after water-sampling results showed bacterial levels exceeding Ontario Ministry of Health standards.

The beach posting will remain in effect until further samples show levels have returned to within the acceptable range for swimming/bathing.

“Unfortunately, this means the Southampton Beach will be posted as unsafe for swimming throughout the upcoming long weekend. While we know this will be an inconvenience to some, we respectfully ask that residents and visitors respect this swim advisory as people are at an increased risk of getting sick or an infection when bacterial levels in beach water exceed Ontario guidelines,” says Senior Public Health Manager Andrew Barton.

Public Health samples the water at Southampton Beach between High Street and Beach Road.

Grey Bruce Public Health plans to take new samples from the beach early next week.

Residents and visitors should refrain from swimming or playing in the beach water at Southampton Beach or let pets drink or play in the water until the no-swimming advisory is lifted.