Monday, July 12, 2021
Interior Health has advised the CSRD that the most recent water tests are showing acceptable levels of E Coli bacteria in the water of Shuswap Lake off Sunnybrae Beach.
The swimming advisory which was put in place on Friday, July 2, 2021, is lifted effective today, Monday, July 12, 2021.
For the safety of the public, the water at Sunnybrae Beach is routinely tested on a weekly basis.
The CSRD extends its thanks to residents and visitors for their patience during the temporary swim advisory.
Original Post: July 2, 2021
Sunnybrae Beach has been placed on a swimming advisory due to unacceptable E. coli bacterial counts found in recent routine water samples.
The beach is not closed, however, Interior Health is advising that due to the elevated water sample results, the public should be made aware of the increased risk of swimming at Sunnybrae Beach, which is located at 3580 Sunnybrae Canoe Point Road, Tappen.
Swimming is not recommended at this time.
Follow-up water samples are being taken and the advisory will be rescinded once samples show acceptable bacteria levels. The water at Sunnybrae Beach is routinely tested on a weekly basis.
Interior Health reports there can be a number of reasons for elevated levels including wildlife, such as geese, causing an increase in bacteria levels. The weather can also play a factor, with heavy rains washing contaminants off the shore and into the water or temperature increasing bacterial growth.
Sunnybrae Beach Park will remain open, but users are advised against swimming due to the elevated risk. Young children, for example, tend to ingest a lot of water when they are at the beach so they are at higher risk.
This advisory is only in place for the Sunnybrae Beach area and does not affect the CSRD's Sandy Beach or Pebble Beach in Blind Bay.
Please continue to check the CSRD website and social media for updates on the status of the beach. For further questions, call the CSRD at 250-832-8194. Information can also be found at the Interior Health website.
