Blind Bay beaches remain open despite elevated E. coli levels

Jun 4, 2026 | 4:44 PM

BLIND BAY, B.C. — Pebble and Sandy Beach in Blind Bay remain open despite a Swimming Advisory being put in place due to unacceptable E. coli bacterial counts found in recent water tests.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) and Interior Health (IH) say the elevated E. coli levels are not high enough to warrant closing the adjacent beaches, but the organizations want the public to be aware nonetheless.

“Interior Health is advising that, due to the elevated water sample results, the public should be made aware of the increased risk of swimming at Pebble Beach and Sandy Beach, which are adjacent to each other, at 2475 Blind Bay Road,” said the CSRD.

The CSRD said high bacterial counts lead to increased risks of illness to swimmers.

“While the beaches will remain open for public use, users are advised to refrain from activities in which a person’s whole body and face are frequently immersed in the water. Users are reminded not to ingest any untreated water,” said the CSRD.

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IH said elevated E. coli levels can come from several causes – including wildlife, such as geese, or weather conditions such as rain washing contaminants into the water or high temperatures contributing to bacterial growth.

The CSRD said the advisory will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.

“Follow-up water samples are being taken and the advisory will be rescinded once samples show acceptable bacteria levels. The water at Pebble Beach and Sandy Beach is routinely tested for water quality,” said CSRD officials.

by Elora McCormack

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Blind Bay beaches remain open despite elevated E. coli levels

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