Beachgoers are being advised to stay out of the water at two popular Halifax-area beaches due to elevated bacteria levels.
Nova Scotia Parks says swimming isn’t recommended at Rainbow Haven Beach and Clam Harbour beaches until further notice. It warns that beachgoers could become ill if they spend time in the water.
Lifeguards stationed at the beaches in Cow Bay, N.S., and Clam Harbour, N.S., will be recommending that people do not swim.
Nova Scotia Parks says the advisory will remain in effect for at least a few days, until test results show the water is safe.
According to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change, heavy use, high temperatures and heavy rains can affect water quality at beaches.
“The detection of bacteria doesn’t mean there has never been bacteria present at the beach before, just not in numbers high enough to cause illness,” said the department in a statement online.
“While not common, it’s not unusual for any beach …