Re: [Paddlewise] E. coli: do you paddle in it?

From: "Robert J. Matter" <rjmatter_at_prodigy.net>

> Indiana Dunes beaches have been closed for four days in a row because of high 
> E. coli levels. [...] What do you think about paddling in it? 

E. coli levels are high in lots of urban paddling areas on a regular basis
in the summer (and nowadays in the spring and fall occasionally).  In 
some crowded cottage areas, e.coli levels can get high as well.  The
problem is run-off in urban areas and poor or non-existant septic systems
in cottage areas compounded by high water temperatures that promote E.coli
growth.  

I take a few precautions but don't let it stop me from paddling.  Don't
worry about getting most of your body wet - as long as you don't ingest
the water you'll be ok.  I make sure that my water bottle is kept clean
and won't use a Camelback-type mouthpiece.  If I stop for lunch or a 
snack and I can't wash my hands (often) I keep the wrapping between my 
hands and the food.  For example, I might eat a sandwich by leaving it 
inside a (reusable) zip closure bag and just peeling back enough of the 
bag to get to the food.

Dunking for cooling is not an issue if you don't go all the way over.
A sculling brace suffices.  You can tolerate the occasional splash
on the face, since your body is able to fend off infections if the
exposure is small enough.  Don't forget, the difference between open
and closed for many beaches these days is a small percentage in
E.coli levels!

Mike

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