By Angela Gemmill

Now that summer is officially here, more people are swimming at their favourite beach.

The Sudbury and District Health Unit is making sure those spots are safe from contaminants.

Starting today, health inspectors are testing weekly the beaches and swimming holes across the catchment area, including 17 in Greater Sudbury.

Public Health Inspector, Ashley Derocchis, says if they find high levels of E-coli bacteria, then the beach is “posted” until improved results come back.

She says it doesn’t mean you can’t swim at the location, however you do so at your own risk.

Swimming in water that has high levels of bacteria could result in skin infections or gastro-intestinal illnesses.

The ‘posted’ sign is only removed from the beach once new test results show water quality has improved.