Visitors heading to Presque Isle State Park can once again enjoy swimming at Beach 6 after officials lifted a swimming restriction Wednesday morning.
According to park officials, the restriction at Beach 6 was removed effective June 17 at 11:03 a.m. following improved water quality conditions. As a result, all 13 regulated swimming beaches at Presque Isle are now open and available for swimming.
The restriction had been put in place due to elevated bacteria levels detected during routine water testing. For public safety, swimming waters at Presque Isle are tested twice each week by health officials.
Under Erie County Department of Health guidelines, a Swimming Advisory is issued when E. coli levels range between 235 and 999 colony-forming units (CFU) per 100 milliliters of water. A Swimming Restriction is posted when levels exceed 999 CFU per 100 milliliters.
Officials said re-testing will continue daily when elevated bacteria levels are detected. Swimming advisories remain in effect until bacteria counts fall to 235 CFU per 100 milliliters or lower.
Even when advisories are posted, beaches remain open for swimming, sunbathing, and other recreational activities. However, during a swimming restriction, visitors are prohibited from entering the water and are directed to other beaches if they wish to swim.
Park officials continue to remind beachgoers to take precautions to reduce the risk of illness, including avoiding swallowing lake water, washing hands before handling food, avoiding swimming with open wounds, and limiting water contact following heavy rain or during periods of high lake levels.