Host Andy

[amberben]

Have you seen this.?

 

Bermuda beaches: fecal contamination often four times 'acceptable' level

On 31 March 2014 the following security message was released: "The U.S. Consulate General in Hamilton, Bermuda, informs U.S. citizens of a public concern regarding the contamination of beaches. A scientific study conducted in 2013 by the University of Laval, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, the Bermuda Departments of Conservation, Health, and Environment, and the Bermuda Central Government Laboratory reports that ongoing dumping of raw sewage off Bermuda's south coast causes intermittent contamination of the waters along the island's south shore beaches, creating a public health hazard. "Changing weather conditions - wind, swells, tides, and rain - can bring rapid degradation of water quality along the beaches, resulting in human bacteria levels from fecal contamination up to four times the acceptable U.S. standard. In 2013, as many as five of the beaches were described as "unfit for recreational use" on different occasions based on water samples. "According to the study, possible negative health effects for swimmers include gastroenteritis, ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and staph infections. In addition, as a general medical matter, persons exposed to sewage-contaminated water face increased risk of Hepatitis A, eye infections, and typhoid. Those who intend to enter the waters along the south shore may wish to consider Hepatitis A and typhoid immunizations prior to doing so. The Government of Bermuda has announced that it plans to take measures to reduce or treat the outfall, but as of March 2014, the dumping continues unabated."

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Not good is it. Any chance do you think Celebrity will change the island to somewhere else.?

love

Brenda xx

[C 2 C]

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.... ;)

[ECCruise]

Not good is it. Any chance do you think Celebrity will change the island to somewhere else.?

love

Brenda xx

 

Zero chance. The nearest land mass to Bermuda is Cape Hatteras, 600+ miles away and not even close to being able to handle a cruise ship. The nearest islands, in the Caribbean, are a 1000 miles away.

[Bery]

We sail on Summit on 5-11 so we are following the beach story at The

Bermuda Gazette. Beaches are important to the Bermuda economy and the government appears to be serious about applying scientific sanitation standards to protecting this asset. We live in NY where there is periodic beach contamination after storms and equipment breaks. As long as Bermuda has implemented cleaning and daily testing and broadcasting any problems with southern ocean beaches, beaches should meet health standards. Keep up with current info and enjoy!