Rising E. coli levels on Presque Isle have restricted swimming at Beach 11

(WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com) – According to the Erie County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), swimming is restricted at Presque Isle Beach 11 due to rising E. coli levels.

According to the Erie County Health Department’s protocol, a swimming advisory is issued to a beach if the E. coli count is between 235 and 999 per 100 mL of water. Swimming restrictions apply when the count exceeds 999.

The swimming ban went into effect at 11am on Saturday, has been retested and will continue to apply daily. A swimming advisory will also be issued until the bacterial count returns to 235 or less.

Swimming, sunbathing, and other recreational activities are still permitted at beaches where swimming advisories are posted.

During the swim advisory, DCNR recommends that swimmers take the following precautions:

• Please do not swallow the lake water.
• Wash your hands before handling food.
• Avoid swimming if you have cuts, wounds, or are sick.
• Minimize contact with water if the lake level is high, heavy rains have just ended, or strong winds are blowing from the west.

Beach 11 will remain open for sunbathing and recreational activities, but swimming will be prohibited and beach users will be directed to other beaches if they wish to swim.

For more information, contact the Erie County Health Department at 814-451-6700, Presque Isle State Parks Office at 814-833-7424, or CDC information page To learn more about E. coli.