Swim advisory issued for Rotary Park Beach

People are asked to stay out of the water at Rotary Beach.

A Swim Advisory was issued for the beach Thursday, August 21.

“We’re seeing a greater amount of plant material in that part of Okanagan Lake as well as the presence of ducks and geese, which can result in higher bacterial counts. We are asking the public not to swim or engage in water-related recreation activities at Rotary Beach until the beach water quality advisory has been lifted,” said Ed Hoppe who is the supervisor for Kelowna’s Water Quality and Customer Care.

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

Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immunity are most susceptible to infection linked to high bacterial levels.

Water testing will be done weekly and the findings will be reported to Interior Health. Once the bacterial levels fall to acceptable levels the advisory will be lifted.

Signs asking people to stay out of the water have been posted at Rotary Beach Park, though the city notes the park and beach will not be closed.

The city encourages residents and visitors to swim at the other beaches until the water is clean again.

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