Politics & Government

Updated - No Swimming: Lake Bluff Beach Closed Until July 12

High bacteria count makes water unsafe; beach still open to residents.

No swimming signs have been posted at in Lake Bluff effective today (July 8) through Monday (July 11) after the bacteria count in Lake Michigan rose to an unsafe level, according to Dave Peterson, director of Facilities and Recreation Services for the .

Lake Bluff Park District officials were notified this morning (July 8) that the bacteria count had reached 1203 by the Lake County Department of Health. The normal range is 235 or more, according to Peterson.

"They did not attribute the increase to anything," Peterson said.

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Sunrise Beach is the only one along the North Shore to be closed to swimmers during this time frame, Peterson said.

Peterson said a sample is drawn from the beach waters every morning during the summer season, and then tested by the Lake County Department of Health. The test labs are not open over the weekend, which meant closure through July 11 until a sample is drawn Monday morning.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forest-Lake Bluffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We can't open until Tuesday (July 12) at the earliest, " he said.

Peterson stressed the beach remains open to residents, but there is no swimming allowed. Two park district employees are stationed at the beach to spread the message to patrons. In addition, Peterson said the park district has posted the message on its website, communicated through the Village of Lake Bluff's e-newsletter and contacted local media outlets.

No life guard is on duty at the beach, and no physical means will be made to prevent people from going in the water.

"We're just advising them not to swim," Peterson said. "People can still use the beach area. If they want to swim, they can use the (at )."

Peterson said Sunrise Beach was closed once last year, also on a Friday that stretched over a weekend.


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