As I See It

Is It Safe to Swim at Transfer Beach?

BY ROB JOHNSON

That is the question that many – especially young mothers with small children – want to know. They are asking this because the Town of Ladysmith has posted two Swimming Advisory Notices so far this summer. What do these notices mean? It means that two samples out of the 18 taken were found to be higher than the acceptable level for the bacteria group called enterococci. So what does an advisory mean to you and your family? According to Island Health, it does not mean the beach has to be closed to swimming. It is a notice indicating that a swimmer may contract an infection or experience a health-related issue.

When test results that exceed the recognized limits are received from Island Health, the Town can post a Swimming Advisory, cautioning the public and leave the beach open to swimming, or conduct a retest to determine if the test results are an anomaly.

Island Heath, in cooperation with the Town, collects samples from the north and south ends of the swim area at Transfer Beach. The samples are then tested by an Island Heath contractor for the bacteria group “enterococci”, that live in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and therefore indicate possible contamination of surface waters by fecal waste. Sources of fecal indicator bacteria include wastewater treatment plant effluent, leaking septic systems, stormwater runoff, sewage discharged or dumped from recreational boats, domestic animal and wildlife poop, such as from seagulls, otters and seals.

Enterococci bacteria occur naturally in the ocean because of the presence of wildlife. To account for the influence of these animals, the minimum bacteria level is set at less than five per sample.

The ocean water quality standard set for the testing for the enterococci bacteria by Island Health has two levels for contamination. One is an average of no more than 35 over five samples or 70 in a single 100 milliliter sample.

The posting of the advisory has a significant impact on the health and well-being of those who wish to swim at Transfer Beach. It also impacts businesses that rely on the public visiting the beach. Many stay away from the beach, even though the water spray park is safe to use, as it only uses fresh water supplied from our water system.

This year, the Town has been testing the water since May 12. As of July 9, a total of 18 samples have been tested. Twelve have been less than five, and four have been between five and ten – while only two have exceeded the threshold.

The first advisory notice was posted on the Town’s website on May 26 because the sample tested at 330 and remained up for eight days. (Then the test result was less than five.) During that time, 16 tide cycles occurred. The second one was posted on July 7, because the July 2 sample tested out at 155, and the lifting notice was posted on July 13. Between the time the notice was lifted and the next tide cycle, there were 22 tide cycles. (Then the next test was only five.)

I would strongly suggest that the Town develop a test regimen of taking five samples across the 100 metres of the swimming area and use the average of these samples to minimize the chance of having a single anomaly that could cause alarm for many days until the water is retested, and having to wait days for results.

Would I swim at Transfer Beach?

Yes, because it appears that the Town is taking only single samples (I have asked for confirmation that this is the case, but the Town was unable to confirm by press time), which may be contaminated as a result of natural occurrences in the water from animals. Moreover, no clear source of contamination has been identified, and the contamination levels are not continuous. Additionally, because the tide flushes the area twice a day, I have no concerns.

The Town must do its part to ensure that the public is informed and aware of the test results, and it should advise the public of its concerns. Mayor Beeston said, “The safety of our residents and visitors is always our top priority, and we are grateful for the collaboration with Island Health in ensuring the water quality at Transfer Beach.” Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if you want to swim at Transfer Beach or not. I personally will continue to do so. And that is as I see it.