Updated: June 11, 2026:
Swimming is once again permitted at Pebble Beach and Sandy Beach in Blind Bay.
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District says recent water testing by Interior Health shows E. coli levels have dropped to acceptable levels, allowing the swim advisory to be lifted.
The advisory had been in place at the beaches located on Blind Bay Road in Electoral Area G.
Original: June 5, 2026:
Pebble Beach and Sandy Beach in Blind Bay have been placed under a swimming advisory due to what the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) called unacceptable E. coli bacteria counts found in recent routine water samples.
The CSRD issued the advisory Thursday, saying the beaches are not closed. However, Interior Health advises the public of the increased risk associated with swimming at Pebble Beach and Sandy Beach, which are adjacent to each other at 2475 Blind Bay Rd.
Officials said followup water samples are being taken and the advisory will be lifted once samples show acceptable bacteria levels.
The water at Pebble Beach and Sandy Beach is routinely tested for quality. Interior Health reports there can be a number of reasons for elevated E. coli levels, including wildlife such as geese increasing bacteria levels.
Weather can also be a factor, with heavy rain washing contaminants from shore into the water or warmer temperatures increasing bacterial growth.
While the beaches remain open for public use, the CSRD said users are advised to refrain from activities in which a person’s whole body and face are frequently immersed in the water. Users are also reminded not to ingest untreated water.
The advisory will remain in place until further notice. Additional information is available on the Interior Health website.
