PORT HOOD, N.S. — Port Hood beach swimmers will have to find another spot to cool off from an ongoing heat wave.
According to the Department of Environment, the lifeguard beach located within the Inverness Co. community has been closed due to high levels of bacteria.
There have been signs posted informing swimmers of the situation.
Port Hood is known as being home to the warmest waters in Eastern Canada with temperatures reaching 22-24 Celsius.
The water is very shallow, allowing it to heat up early in the season and stay warm.
The beach itself is supervised by the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service and features parking, washrooms, change rooms and a canteen.
Environment spokesperson, Rachel Boomer, said Friday that a recent test revealed Port Hood's water did not meet federal guidelines.
Boomer could not say what has caused the bacteria levels to rise but indicated warming temperatures may have played a role.
The Department will continue to test the water until bacteria levels improve.
