Residents and visitors are advised against swimming at Kal Beach.

The District of Coldstream issued a swimming advisory Monday, Aug. 26 due to high bacteriological counts found in the water at various locations in the swim area. 

The fecal indicator bacteria levels exceed the guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality. 

"The prolonged hot summer weather escalated bacteria and algae growth in the lake, and last weeks strong wind event stirred up the lake, bringing the bacteria and algae towards the beach," the district said.

Coldstream will continue to submit water samples to Interior Health and will lift the advisory as soon as testing indicates the bacteria levels have returned to acceptable levels. 

Tips to protect yourself:

• Avoid swallowing lake water 
• Avoid swimming with an open cut or wound 
• Avoid swimming for 24 hours after a significant rainfall 
• Stay away from the water if you鈥檙e experiencing digestive or intestinal problems 
• Wash your hands before handling food