District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is prepping for summer fun by promoting National Water Safety Month. National Water Safety Month emphasizes the importance of water safety by promoting safe swimming practices and serves as an important reminder to check the status of your favorite beach before getting in the water.
DHD#10, in cooperation with EGLE, MDHHS, Ferris State University, and partners throughout the jurisdiction, tests the water quality of our beaches for several hazards, including E. coli, and monitors them for the presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs).
“Elevated E. coli levels can lead to flu-like symptoms, rashes or skin infections, and upper respiratory issues,” said DHD#10 Environmental Health Supervisor Lisa Hofmann. “Harmful algal blooms also pose health risks to people and can be deadly to pets. When test results show high E. coli levels or confirm a HAB, a No Water Contact Advisory is issued and warning signs are posted at the sampling locations. Monitoring continues until the HAB has cleared or bacteria levels return to a safe range. Residents can check the status of their local beaches and lakes through EGLE’s BeachGuard website at (https://mienviro.michigan.gov/...).”
National Water Safety Month is also a good time to consider water safety tips for when the beaches are safe for swimming.
“Drowning can happen quickly,” said DHD#10 Home Visiting Supervisor Becky Fink. “Taking proper precautions and having good water competency helps everyone avoid danger and drowning, especially when at a new beach or body of water.”
The Red Cross highlights a few water safety tips residents can use:
• Swim sober
• Know your limitations
• Never swim alone
• Wear an appropriate, US Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating
• Know how to call for help
• Understand unique risk of bodies of water (river currents, water temperature, shallow/deep water, and underwater hazards).
To learn more about Water Safety, please visit: https://www.redcross.org/get-h.... To view Beach Advisories on EGLE’s BeachGuard, please visit: https://mienviro.michigan.gov/....
