Island Health warns people to avoid swimming at Langford Lake, Gonzales Bay and Cadboro Bay after bacteria levels exceeded safe limits.
Swimming Ban Issued After Bacteria Levels Spike
If you’re planning a day at the beach, you may want to rethink your plans. Island Health has issued swimming advisories for Langford Lake, Gonzales Bay Beach, and Cadboro Gyro Park Beach after recent water tests found bacteria levels above safe limits.
Health officials say the affected waters could increase the risk of illness. As a result, residents and visitors should avoid swimming or taking part in any activity that involves direct contact with the water until further notice.
Langford Lake Records One of Its Highest E. Coli Readings
Water samples collected on Monday near the Leigh Road boat ramp at Langford Lake revealed an E. coli count of 732 per 100 millilitres.
That figure marks the second-highest reading since Island Health and the Capital Regional District began monitoring the lake in 2014. The highest level on record came in July 2018, when testing found 1,100 E. coli per 100 millilitres.
Island Health issues a swimming advisory whenever E. coli levels rise above 400 per 100 millilitres. Therefore, the latest reading exceeded the safety threshold by a wide margin.
Victoria Beaches Also Under Advisory
Meanwhile, Gonzales Bay Beach and Cadboro Gyro Park Beach are also under public health advisories.
Testing found elevated levels of enterococci, another type of bacteria that signals possible fecal contamination. Both beaches recorded 100 enterococci per 100 millilitres, while Island Health recommends advisories once levels exceed 70 per 100 millilitres.
Because of these results, both beaches remain unsafe for swimming and other water activities.
Health Officials Urge the Public to Stay Out of the Water
Exposure to water with high bacteria levels can increase the risk of stomach illnesses, skin infections, and other health problems. For that reason, Island Health advises everyone to avoid entering the water at the affected locations until follow-up testing confirms that conditions have improved.
Officials will continue monitoring water quality, and the advisories will stay in place until bacteria levels return to safe standards.
What Swimmers Should Know
Anyone planning to visit Langford Lake, Gonzales Bay Beach, or Cadboro Gyro Park Beach should check the latest public health updates before heading out. In the meantime, choosing another beach or outdoor activity is the safest option while water quality remains under review.
