Stay Healthy at the Beach

Recreational Water Illnesses

Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are illnesses caused by germs and chemicals found in the water where we swim or participate in other water-related activities. These illnesses are spread by swallowing or having contact with contaminated water.

Beach water can become contaminated by:

  • People who swim while they are sick with diarrhea or vomiting; a speck of their stool can contain millions of germs.
  • Waste from animals, such as pets, geese, seagulls, and other wildlife.
  • Sewage spills or leaky septic tanks.
  • Water runoff following rainfall.
  • Natural environmental sources.

The most common symptoms of RWIs include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. RWIs can also cause skin, ear, eye, respiratory, or neurologic symptoms.

Possible causes of RWIs

Children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems can suffer from more severe illness if infected. If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your health care provider.

To report a suspected waterborne illness call the Minnesota Department of Health Foodborne and Waterborne Illness Hotline at 1-877-FOOD-ILL (1-877-366-3455). You may also email your illness report. MDH will relay the necessary information to the appropriate local health authorities.

Minimize the Risk of Illness at the Beach

Swimmers at monitored beaches should look for beach advisory signs before they go in the water. If advisory signs are posted, swimming and wading are not recommended.

Health Advisory Sign: Swimming and wading are not recommended. Monitoring results indicate high levels of bacteria may be present, which increases the risk of getting sick from swimming or wading.

While beach monitoring results can provide a snapshot of the water quality at the beach, water conditions can change rapidly. Swimmers at monitored and non-monitored beaches should always follow the advice below to reduce their risk of getting sick.

How to minimize the risk of illness:

  • Don’t swallow the water
  • Shower before and after swimming
  • Avoid swimming after a rain event
  • Avoid swimming at beaches where you can see discharge pipes

Click here for more information about preventing recreational water illnesses.

Other Safety Concerns

Before going to the beach, swimmers should take precautions to avoid injuries and protect themselves from the sun.
The most up-to-date rip current forecast and UV index forecast for Park Point Beach are found here.

Drowning and water-related injury resources:

Sun safety resources: