English
​
Answer:

False

Did you know?

"The most common illness associated with bacteria in beach water is gastroenteritis." Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, headache, or fever.

4

Sources:

1 https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/chapter5.html

2 https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/protecting-improving-lake-river-stream-water-quality/where-water-pollution-comes-from/

3 https://www.epa.gov/beaches/learn-what-affects-human-health-beach

4 https://www.epa.gov/beaches/learn-what-affects-human-health-beach

How You Can Be Safe At The Beach

  • Read and obey ALL water quality safety signs (usually posted at the beach entrance)

  • In addition, pay attention to warning flags near the lifeguard's stand

Black saying stop with two blinking stop signs on each side of her. There is an "Instant Turn around" text below her as well.

Flaticon Icon A green flag usually means water conditions are safe. Other colors usually mean water conditions aren't safe. For example:

1

  • red could mean "swimming isn't allowed"

  • yellow could mean "swim at your own risk"

Did you know?

Warning flags aren't used at all beaches and their meaning can vary from place to place. Check your local beach authority's website for water quality advisories.
Source:

1 https://www.vch.ca/en/service/public-beach-water-quality#short-description--13871

Take Action

Lady saying "I just want everyone to be safe"

For a safe beach trip:

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It's been a long week. You plan a trip to the beach for the weekend.

You can't wait to sit back, relax, and dip your feet in the water for a swim.

Woman putting shades on with a beach graphic in the background.

Before you head out to the beach, there are some important things you need to know about reading and understanding water quality signs.

Little boy putting his hand up saying "hold up"

Understanding water quality signs will help you limit your exposure to elevated bacteria levels in the water.

General Water Quality Advisories

Water quality advisories are always issued after significant rainfall.

rainstorm

  • Bacteria levels can increase during and after rainstorms, as contaminant runoff enters the water.

  • Bacteria levels can remain elevated for up to 72 hours.

  • High bacteria levels in water can cause illness, with children and the elderly being the most vulnerable.

  • Beachgoersshould avoid contact with water close to flowing storm drains, creeks, and rivers. 

Quiz

It's okay to swim at beaches where you can see discharge pipes after heavy rainfall.

Did you know?

"The most common illness associated with bacteria in beach water is gastroenteritis." Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, headache, or fever.

How You Can Be Safe At The Beach

  • Read and obey ALL water quality safety signs (usually posted at the beach entrance)

  • In addition, pay attention to warning flags near the lifeguard's stand

Black saying stop with two blinking stop signs on each side of her. There is an "Instant Turn around" text below her as well.

Flaticon Icon A green flag usually means water conditions are safe. Other colors usually mean water conditions aren't safe. For example:

  • red could mean "swimming isn't allowed"

  • yellow could mean "swim at your own risk"

Did you know?

Warning flags aren't used at all beaches and their meaning can vary from place to place. Check your local beach authority's website for water quality advisories.

Take Action

Lady saying "I just want everyone to be safe"

For a safe beach trip:

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​

Did you know?

"The most common illness associated with bacteria in beach water is gastroenteritis." Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, headache, or fever.

4

Sources:

1 https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/chapter5.html

2 https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/protecting-improving-lake-river-stream-water-quality/where-water-pollution-comes-from/

3 https://www.epa.gov/beaches/learn-what-affects-human-health-beach

4 https://www.epa.gov/beaches/learn-what-affects-human-health-beach

How You Can Be Safe At The Beach

  • Read and obey ALL water quality safety signs (usually posted at the beach entrance)

  • In addition, pay attention to warning flags near the lifeguard's stand

Black saying stop with two blinking stop signs on each side of her. There is an "Instant Turn around" text below her as well.

Flaticon Icon A green flag usually means water conditions are safe. Other colors usually mean water conditions aren't safe. For example:

1

  • red could mean "swimming isn't allowed"

  • yellow could mean "swim at your own risk"

Did you know?

Warning flags aren't used at all beaches and their meaning can vary from place to place. Check your local beach authority's website for water quality advisories.
Source:

1 https://www.vch.ca/en/service/public-beach-water-quality#short-description--13871

Take Action

Lady saying "I just want everyone to be safe"

For a safe beach trip:

Rumie logo

This logo isn't an ad or affiliate link. It's an organization that shares in our mission, and empowered the authors to share their insights in Byte form.
Rumie vets Bytes for compliance with our Standards. The organization is responsible for the completeness and reliability of the content.
Learn more about how Rumie works with partners.

License:

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