There are multiple spots beachgoers should avoid this weekend in Michigan if they are planning to enjoy a cool swim.
In Michigan, more than a dozen beaches are closed or under advisories because of high bacteria levels as of Friday, July 24, typically from wildlife, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, which provides that information via an online dashboard.
County health departments routinely collect water samples for bacteria levels atbeaches across Michigan to determine whether the water is safe for swimming, according to the EGLE, and post that information online.
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To be considered safe for swimming, the E. coli counts must be below 300 per 100 milliliters.
Beaches with closures or under advisories in Michigan
These Michigan beaches are closed or under advisories in Michigan:
- Driftwoodnear Walled Lake in Oakland County
- Foster Road Beach in Arenac County
- Four Mile Beach in Chippewa County
- Holland Road Beach in St. Clair County
- Indian Lake State Park in Schoolcraft County
- Keewadhin Road Beach in St. Clair County
- Lakeside Beach in St. Clair County
- Munising Tourist Park Campground Beach in Alger County
- St. Clair Shores Memorial Park Beachin Macomb County
- Sugar Island Township Park in Chippewa County
- Sunset Park in Grand Traverse County
- US 2 Sand Dunes Beach in Mackinac County
- West End Beach in Grand Traverse County
Check the conditions at your Michigan beach
The EGLE map lists information for beaches in Michigan, including water quality sampling results, beach advisories and beach closures.
The website also includes information on combined or sanitary sewer overflows, which lead to partially treated or untreated sewage being released into rivers and streams.
Why do officials check for E. coli?
Generally, coliforms are bacteria that are not harmful and are naturally present in the environment, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, fecal bacteria (indicated by the E. coli species) could be present.
If any routine or repeat sample is total coliform positive or present, the system (i.e., the lab) must further analyze that sample to determine whether E. coli is present. E. coli is a more specific indicator of fecal contamination and is a potentially more harmful pathogen than other bacteria typically found in the coliform group.
Consumption of or contact with water contaminated with feces of warm-blooded animals can cause a variety of illnesses, the U.S. Geological Survey said. Minor gastrointestinal discomfort is probably the most common symptom; however, pathogens that may cause only minor sickness in some people may cause serious conditions or death in others, especially in the very young, old, or those with weakened immune systems.
What is swimmer's itch? Does E. coli cause it?
Swimmer's itch is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Swimmer's itch is often incorrectly attributed to E. coli exposure, according to the Clean Lakes Alliance.
Symptoms can include:
- Tingling, burning or itching of the skin
- Small reddish pimples
- Small blisters
What can I do about swimmer's itch?
Swimmer's itch typically clears up on its own within a week. If the itching is severe, your health care provider may recommend prescription-strength lotions or creams, the Mayo Clinic said.
Some home treatments may provide relief until it goes away:
- Apply a corticosteroid cream or an anti-itch lotion, such as those that contain calamine.
- Take an oral nonprescription antihistamine (Benadryl) or one with loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others).
- Avoid scratching the rash.
- Cover affected areas with a clean, damp washcloth.
- Soak in a bath sprinkled with Epsom salts, baking soda or an oatmeal-based bath product (Aveeno, others).
- Make a paste of baking soda and water, and then apply it to the affected skin.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Is your favorite Michigan beach closed for swimming? Check here
