People are being told not to swim at two busy Halifax-area beaches due to elevated bacteria levels. Nova Scotia Provincial Parks says beachgoers should avoid the water at Rainbow Haven Beach in Cow Bay and Lawrencetown Beach in East Lawrencetown. “Please avoid the water – swimming may cause illness,” said Nova Scotia Provincial Parks in a statement Friday. “Lifeguards will be present and recommending that people do not swim.” The government agency says new water samples have been collected, but results won’t be available until early next week. “The advisory will remain in effect until water testing results show that the water is safe,” it said. Both beaches are popular swimming spots with both tourists and locals during the summer months, while Lawrencetown is also known for its surfing. The Lifesaving Society of Nova Scotia provides bacteriological water sampling for provincially supervised beaches across the province. The Halifax Regional Municipality also has a beach program that monitors beaches within the municipality. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
