OCEANA COUNTY, Mich. — Two beaches in Oceana County are under a contamination advisory due to E. coli.
On Tuesday, the District Health Department and Ferris State University collected bacterial samples from Lighthouse Beach and Silver Lake State Playground at Silver Lake State Park.
Samples from both areas showed elevated levels of E. coli.
Officials will continue to collect samples until levels are reduced.
Cousins Karen Burnell and Laura Bilotta were visiting the beach, after canceling their trip to Charleston due to the hurricane. They say there should be signs posted on the beach so more people are aware.
"If a parent doesn't know, of course, what's the first thing the first thing the children want to do?" Karen Burnell said. "They want to get in the water, come to the beach, and get in the water."
Bilotta traveled from Wisconsin for the annual vacation. She wished she had known about the E. coli contamination before they came, so she wouldn't have put herself at risk.
"I wish I would have known that before I got here because if I went in the water, I actually do have an open cut," Bilotta said. "And if I would have gone in the water, who knows what would have happened?"
You have a greater risk of contamination when swimming or doing any water activities. Children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems are most at risk.
Contamination can result in flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration. Those in the water are also at risk for respiratory illnesses, like ear, nose and throat infections. There is also a risk of skin infection if you have an open wound.
This is the second time Lighthouse Beach has been closed due to E. coli levels this summer.
For up-to-date testing results, check EGLE's website.