We Say, You Say: Swimming Spots

Neighbourly.co.nz

Hi Canterbury,

Would you be put off by a health warning at your local swimming spot?

Around 100 popular swimming locations across the country have been slapped with health warnings for the summer season this year.

Local councils reported long-term poor water quality due to the presence of algal blooms and high concentrations of sediment in popular swimming spots like Lake Rotorua, Waikanae Beach and Paraparaumu Beach. Some of these sites have had consistently low scoring that local councils have stopped monitoring them and have instead posted long-term warning signs against swimming.

Swimmers that ignore signs risk gastrointestinal illnesses and respiratory diseases from water made hazardous by farm runoff, sewage contamination and high bacteria counts.

Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments featured in the conversations section of your local paper. Find out more