As the sun shines and the skies clear, many people may be excited to hit the beach. However, it’s important to be aware of beach health advisories and closures along the lakeshore. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources updates its Beach Closings and Advisories Map from Memorial Day to Labor Day. On Thursday morning, Lakefront Park Beach in Manitowoc was closed due to elevated bacteria levels, making it unsafe for swimming. While other waterways may have advisories for the same reason, they remain open.
Signs at public beaches will indicate whether it is safe to swim or not due to elevated bacteria levels. The DNR has various theories about what causes high levels of bacteria or E. coli at beaches. To help keep beaches open, it is advised to avoid swimming if you are sick, change diapers and use protective pants for young children, refrain from feeding birds, properly dispose of trash, avoid dumping chemicals or waste in street drains, and avoid swallowing lake water.
Staying informed about beach advisories and taking precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience. By following these guidelines, we can all do our part in protecting our beaches and our health.
