Parlee Beach (91.9 The Bend Photo)
The public perception of Parlee Beach has taken a beating in recent years due to poor water quality concerns.
But after being announced in May, Parlee Beach and the Shediac Bay Yacht Club are officially being awarded the coveted Blue Flag designation this weekend by Environmental Defence.
In order for a beach to be awarded a Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
The national charity has determined that Parlee Beach is clean, safe and well-managed.
The provincial and federal governments have invested about $3 million in infrastructure upgrades and studies to support water quality improvements over the last couple years.
New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell says all of the data collected is objective and shows that the water quality is good.
Of the water samples collected at Parlee Beach in 2018, she notes that 98 percent met recreational swimming guideline values.
Dr. Russell adds there are some basic things to consider no matter where you swim.
“You should make sure that you have a shower after a swim, avoid swallowing the water and don’t go in if you have open wounds and ensure that you wash your hands before eating,” she says.
