UPDATED: RDCK rescinds swim advisory for Taghum Beach
By Nelson Daily Staff
Just in time for the long weekend, the Regional District of Central Kootenay announced that Taghum Beach, west of Nelson, has re-opened for swimming.
The media release was sent out late Friday afternoon that the RDCK has rescinded the Swim Advisory for the popular summer destination.
“Tests show that the water at Taghum Beach is now safe for swimming,” daid Cary Gaynor, Parks Operation Supervisor for the RDCK.
Taghum Beach, located on the south shore of Kootenay River 10 kilometers west of Nelson, had been closed by the RDCK (Friday) July 24 due to bacterial counts that exceed Health Canada guidelines.
Recent tests by the RDCK show bacterial counts fall within the Health Canada guidelines.
RDCK announces swimming advisory for Taghum Beach
Every year in Nelson, school ends for summer holidays in June.
Canada Day, the Chamber of Commerce always provides a great fireworks show.
And the Regional District of Central Kootenay announces to the public of swimming advisory for Taghum Beach, located on the south shore of Kootenay River 10 kilometers west of Nelson, due to poor water quality.
Joe Chirico, the RDCK’s general manager of community services, made the announcement in a media release Friday.
“The RDCK and Interior Health are recommending the public refrains from swimming at Taghum Beach until the beach water quality improves,” Chirico explained.
The RDCK said swimming is not recommended due to bacterial counts that exceed Health Canada guidelines.
Chirico said the RDCK collects water samples on a weekly basis at Taghum Beach to test for fecal coliform bacteria (E. coli).
“Weekly monitoring protects swimmers from illnesses that may be linked to unacceptable bacteria levels, such as ear, nose and throat infection or stomach illnesses,” he said.
In keeping with Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality (GCRWQ) and Interior Health Authority Beach Water Quality Notification Campaign, the RDCK has posted signage at Taghum Beach to notify the public of poor beach water quality.
The RDCK said warning signs would remain posted until sample results are once again within acceptable limits.
