FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gary Porter, Lee County Parks & Recreation
(941) 461-7449

LAKES PARK SWIMMING AREA REOPENED AFTER FURTHER WATER TESTING

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 19, 2001) - The swimming area at Lakes Regional Park will reopen at noon today after having been closed yesterday due to an elevated bacteria count.

Test results of water samples taken Wednesday by the Lee County Health Department show the water is again safe for swimming.

Tests conducted on Tuesday indicated that the beach water quality may not meet the bacteriological standard for enterococci bacteria. According to the Department of Health, the test results indicated that water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals.

The Health Department samples and tests the water weekly to ensure it is safe for swimming. Another sample was taken Wednesday and the Health Department gave its OK this morning to allow swimming.

For more information, residents can contact the Health Department's Environmental Engineering section at 939-4245.