When there is evidence that recreational water is potentially dangerous to the health of swimmers, the Medical Officer of Health ensures that notices are displayed in prominent locations at the swimming sites indicating the nature of the risk. This evidence may be based on bacterial analysis, historical and epidemiological data, or the physical quality of the water.

“Read the Signs to Reduce the Risk”
	The red sign warns swimmers that the water is unsafe due to high levels of bacterial and may pose a risk to health. In 2003, the County of Huron made a policy decision that where seasonal data shows that bacterial counts either exceed or fluctuate above the provincial level set for recreational use (100 E. coli per 100mL of water) the beach will be permanently posted for the season.
	The blue sign warns swimmers that the water may be polluted with high levels of bacteria for up to 2 days following heavy rainfall. This is based on historical water quality data. This sign is posted at all locations at the beginning of the swimming season (June 1st – Labour Day).

Permanent red sign postings will continue until seasonal surveillance of the water quality demonstrates that the risk to swimmers is at a level considered to be acceptable.