Lyttelton Swimming Health Warning

A health warning has been released today by Canterbury District Health Board about high levels of faecal bacteria in water samples taken from Rapaki Bay and Sandy Bay in Lyttelton Harbour.

The warning states that the areas are not suitable for recreational swimming due to the risk to health from bacteria and other pathogens. Shellfish should also not be consumed from these areas.

“In most cases the ill-health effects from exposure to contaminated water are minor and short-lived.  However, there is the potential for more serious diseases, such as Hepatitis A or Salmonella infection,” Dr Humphrey says.

Other areas in the Harbour appear unaffected and you can keep up-to-date on the Land, Air, Water Aotearoa – Can I Swim Here? website as to the current water quality and recommendations.

For more information please see:
ECAN Swimming Water Quality
LAWA – Rapaki Bay
LAWA – Sandy Bay