Share on LinkedIn

TOWN OF ELLISBURG, New York (WWNY) - There have been serious health risks at two popular state beaches in the north country with high levels of E. coli recorded recently.

The water remained off-limits to swimmers on Wednesday at Southwick Beach State Park.

The state closed the beach on Tuesday after tests showed high levels of E. coli in Lake Ontario.

“We were totally surprised to find it closed and then to find out the reason is E. coli is even more shocking,” said camper Robin Dupuis. “Yesterday we rode our bikes up here and the parking lot was full. Today it is, like, where is everybody?”

E. coli is a bacterium that can be found in feces. People can become sick if they ingest certain strains.

“Often when you are swimming, you often find yourself swallowing a little bit of that water,” said Faith Lustik, director of preventive services at Jefferson County Public Health.

That’s why the beach was shut down. Test results showing more than 235 E.coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water exceed the state standard.

On Tuesday, the water at Southwick Beach had more than 1,400 E. coli colonies.

On Wednesday, the number had dropped to more than 400.

Earlier in the week, E. coli forced the state to close the beach 10 miles away at Westcott Beach State Park. It has since reopened.

Health officials say the surge in bacteria in the lake could be because of the area’s recent rain.

“This time of year we get lots of run-off. We will have an increase of it in the water,” said Faith Lustik, director of preventive services at Jefferson County Public Health.

Health officials say the symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea and severe stomach pain. If you are exhibiting symptoms, you’re urged to contact your doctor.