Swimming Banned At State Park Over Bacteria Scare

UPDATE: The Department of Natural Resources on Thursday afternoon lifted the swimming advisory for Don Carter State Park on Lake Lanier. The latest water-quality sample results show that bacteria levels are safe for swimming, the DNR said.

GAINESVILLE, GA — Swimming at a state park on Lake Lanier had been banned after water samples showed unusually high levels of bacteria.

Initial water-quality testing at Don Carter State Park showed higher than normal levels of E. coli, according to Georgia State Parks spokeswoman Kim Hatcher.

"The park's swimming beach is under advisory," reads a post on the park's website. "While the beach is open for use, swimming or wading is not recommended due to high bacteria levels found during routine water-quality testing. This advisory will be lifted when additional water-testing results return to standard levels."

Hatcher said additional test results are expected on Thursday. She said all beaches at state parks are routinely tested before swimming season begins.

In Gainesville, Don Carter State Park is Georgia's newest state park and the first along Lake Lanier. It is named in honor of real-estate executive Don Carter ,who served on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources board for 29 years and worked to establish a state park on the lake.

This is the first time swimming has been suspended at the park, Hatcher said.

E. coli is a type of bacteria that usually lives in the intestines of people or animals. Some types can cause intestinal infections, particularly among people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, young children and older adults.

Photo via Don Carter State Park website