Harrison Lake Lagoon FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions


Q. Is the Lagoon a swimming pool?

A. No, although the lagoon is man made, it remains a natural water body which is fed by Harrison Lake.


Q. Is the lagoon connected to the lake?

A. The berm was built with rock and sand and designed to allow for water to come through the rocks into the lagoon from the lake. Because of this, you will notice the lagoon rise and fall with the level of the lake.


Q. Is there a lifeguard at the lagoon?
A. No, there are no lifeguards on any of the beaches in Harrison Hot Springs. Please ensure that you, your friends, and family practice good water safety whenever you are enjoying any of BC's beautiful lakes, rivers, or ocean environments. https://www.harrisonhotsprings.ca/harrison-lake/


Q. Is the lagoon contaminated with E. coli bacteria?

A. Sometimes the level of E. coli in the lagoon is enough to trigger contamination warnings, which are issued at the advice of Fraser Health. E. coli is a naturally occurring bacteria which is usually present to some degree in natural bodies of water. It originates from animals who share our love of water in the summertime and hot weather conditions can trigger higher rates of bacterial presence.


Q. How will I know if bacteria levels are too high for swimming?

A. Fraser Health will request that the Village post warning signs in the area where the E. coli levels consistently exceed 200 E. coli bacteria per 100 ml of water.


Q. Will I get sick if I swim in the lagoon when there is E. coli present?

A. Highly unlikely, however you should always avoid ingesting lake or lagoon water, as it is not treated for safe human consumption.


Q. Who tests the Lake and Lagoon water?

A. Our Utilities staff takes samples from the Lake and Lagoon, then delivers them to Fraser Health where they are tested for E. coli. Results are posted on the Fraser Health website.

https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/recreational-water/beach-conditions#.YOTJ7-hKhaQ


Q. Where can I find out more about E coli levels in the lagoon and in other swimming areas?

https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/recreational-water/beach-conditions#.YOTJ7-hKhaQ


Q. Are dogs allowed on the beaches and in the water?

A. No, dogs are not permitted on any sand beach area unless the dog is a Service or Guide Dog trained and certified under the Guide Dog and Service Act. Dogs are welcome on pathways and parks throughout the village while on a leash.


Q. Can I skate on the lagoon in the winter time?

A. No, this is not allowed because it is very unsafe. Ice conditions are not tested and the lagoon is very deep. People and pets are at high risk of going through the ice due to these uncertain conditions. Do not attempt to walk or skate on the lagoon. Instead, please bring your skates to the Starlight Rink just East of the lagoon, which was expanded in 2021 for friends and families to use and enjoy.


Have other questions? Use the link below to get in touch with us!

Frequently Asked Questions


Q. Is the Lagoon a swimming pool?

A. No, although the lagoon is man made, it remains a natural water body which is fed by Harrison Lake.


Q. Is the lagoon connected to the lake?

A. The berm was built with rock and sand and designed to allow for water to come through the rocks into the lagoon from the lake. Because of this, you will notice the lagoon rise and fall with the level of the lake.


Q. Is there a lifeguard at the lagoon?
A. No, there are no lifeguards on any of the beaches in Harrison Hot Springs. Please ensure that you, your friends, and family practice good water safety whenever you are enjoying any of BC's beautiful lakes, rivers, or ocean environments. https://www.harrisonhotsprings.ca/harrison-lake/


Q. Is the lagoon contaminated with E. coli bacteria?

A. Sometimes the level of E. coli in the lagoon is enough to trigger contamination warnings, which are issued at the advice of Fraser Health. E. coli is a naturally occurring bacteria which is usually present to some degree in natural bodies of water. It originates from animals who share our love of water in the summertime and hot weather conditions can trigger higher rates of bacterial presence.


Q. How will I know if bacteria levels are too high for swimming?

A. Fraser Health will request that the Village post warning signs in the area where the E. coli levels consistently exceed 200 E. coli bacteria per 100 ml of water.


Q. Will I get sick if I swim in the lagoon when there is E. coli present?

A. Highly unlikely, however you should always avoid ingesting lake or lagoon water, as it is not treated for safe human consumption.


Q. Who tests the Lake and Lagoon water?

A. Our Utilities staff takes samples from the Lake and Lagoon, then delivers them to Fraser Health where they are tested for E. coli. Results are posted on the Fraser Health website.

https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/recreational-water/beach-conditions#.YOTJ7-hKhaQ


Q. Where can I find out more about E coli levels in the lagoon and in other swimming areas?

https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/recreational-water/beach-conditions#.YOTJ7-hKhaQ


Q. Are dogs allowed on the beaches and in the water?

A. No, dogs are not permitted on any sand beach area unless the dog is a Service or Guide Dog trained and certified under the Guide Dog and Service Act. Dogs are welcome on pathways and parks throughout the village while on a leash.


Q. Can I skate on the lagoon in the winter time?

A. No, this is not allowed because it is very unsafe. Ice conditions are not tested and the lagoon is very deep. People and pets are at high risk of going through the ice due to these uncertain conditions. Do not attempt to walk or skate on the lagoon. Instead, please bring your skates to the Starlight Rink just East of the lagoon, which was expanded in 2021 for friends and families to use and enjoy.


Have other questions? Use the link below to get in touch with us!

Questions

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Page published: 07 Jul 2021, 11:56 AM