Parlee reopens to swimming after missing big, hot weekend

After Parlee Beach marked its first hot weekend of the season with a no-swimming advisory, the popular swimming spot on the Northumberland Strait reopened Monday.

The advisory was issued for both Saturday and Sunday by the Department of Health as a preventive measure after heavy rainfall, which can leadto high bacteria levels in the water because ofincreased surface runoff among other things.

• No-swimming advisory at Parlee Beach as temperatures soar

Monday had some good news for those hoping to spend a day at the beach.

But a few people appeared reluctant to go, despite hearing from Parlee staff that the advisory was lifted.

"It's not good for swimming today," said Sue Jones, who lives in the area. "I guess the water's contaminated or something."

On the weekend, some visitors ignored the warning and couldbe seen swimming.

Christa Weber of Kingston, Ont., who is visiting with her husband, said the campground owner where they are staying advised them of poor water quality over the weekend, butthat wasn't enough to scare the first-time tourists to the region.

"I saw the signs now that everything is OK, so the water is free to go," said Weber.

There have been three no-swimming advisory since Parlee Beachopened a little over two weeks ago all because of rain.

After months of controversy over failing to advise the public of contaminated water at the beach, the Liberal government introduced new water-monitoring protocols in April that are in line with Canadian guidelines.

They includeposting signs that clearly indicate if the water is suitable for swimming 11 signs were installed this yearin the provincial park as well asmonitoring the water more often.