Health Department Provides Beach Advisory Information Online



From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Lake County beachgoers can access the latest information on Lake Michigan and inland lake beach advisories and swim bans through the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center’s Web site by visiting:

http://health.lakecountyil.gov/Population/LMU/Pages/Beach-Advisory.aspx

“A beach may have a temporary swim ban due to high bacteria counts,” said the Health Department’s Executive Director Tony Beltran. “High bacteria counts can be caused by stormwater runoff, sewage overflow, nearby septic failure and large quantities of droppings from geese or gulls. While beach closings in Lake County are a relatively infrequent occurrence, it is still best to check before you head to your favorite beach.”

Throughout the summer, the Health Department samples 12 beaches along Lake Michigan four days per week.  The web page is updated daily by 10 a.m. These beaches include:

North Point Marina Beach                           Winthrop Harbor

Illinois Beach State Park North Beach          Zion

Illinois Beach State Park South Beach          Zion

Illinois Beach State Park Resort Beach         Zion

Waukegan North Beach                             Waukegan

Waukegan South Beach                            Waukegan

Lake Bluff Dog Beach                                Lake Bluff

Lake Bluff Sunrise Beach                           Lake Bluff

Forest Park Beach                                    Lake Forest

Moraine Dog Beach                                   Highland Park

Park Avenue Beach                                   Highland Park

Rosewood Beach                                      Highland Park

The Health Department tests the water samples for E. coli bacteria, which are found in the intestines of almost all warm-blooded animals.  While not all strains of E. coli are the same, certain strains can make humans sick if ingested in high enough concentrations. E. coli also serves as an indicator that other potentially harmful pathogens may be present.  If water samples come back high for E. coli (235 E. coli/100 ml), the beach’s manager is notified and a sign is posted indicating the swim ban. In addition, rainfall washes pollutants towards the lake and can lead to elevated bacteria levels in the water. Therefore, the Health Department advises residents to avoid swimming after a large rain event.

Swimming related illnesses are typically minor.  The most common illness is gastroenteritis, which causes flu-like symptoms that typically develop 1-2 days after exposure.  Other minor illnesses include ear, eye, nose and throat infections. Skin parasites such as ringworm and schistosomiasis (swimmers itch) can be transmitted in areas of water degradation.  Although there are many serious illnesses transmitted through water, swimmers are rarely exposed to these more serious diseases in the United States.  

In addition to monitoring swimming beaches along Lake Michigan in Lake County, the Health Department also monitors licensed beaches on inland lakes, including the Chain O’Lakes. For more information on beach monitoring, please call Environmental Services at: (847) 377-8030.