Swimming advisory issued for Couchiching Beach in Orillia

A swim advisory has been issued for Couchiching Beach in Orillia.

According to a release issued Tuesday, the city of Orillia received notice from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit that there was a “higher than normal bacteria count” recorded at the beach.

Bacteria counts can be affected by many different factors, with the most common being rain, wind and waterfowl.

According to the release, a swimming advisory is issued when bacteria levels exceed those considered acceptable by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

An advisory is a warning to swimmers, however, it is not a beach closure. The city says during a swimming advisory, the beach is posted with warning signs indicating there may be an increased risk of developing minor irritations and infections.

“If you choose to swim during a swimming advisory, it may be prudent to avoid ducking your head or swallowing the water,” the release reads.

The city is also reminding residents that lifeguards are off-duty during a swim advisory, and swimmers are cautioned to swim at their own risk.

Moose Beach and Portage Bay are unaffected and remain open at this time.