The heavy rains of the past couple of weeks have made swimming in Windham County's rivers and streams quite dicey.
Last week, two swimmers drowned in Barre and Bristol. Swift-moving water from record-breaking rainfall was a factor in both incidents, authorities said.
No drownings have been reported this summer in Windham County.
The American Red Cross recommends swimmers always swim with a buddy and not allow anyone to swim alone.
The Red Cross also recommends that swimmers take care in and around rivers and lakes, as cold temperatures, swift currents and underwater hazards can make any body of water dangerous.
According to Vermont's Department of Health, approximately half of all drowning deaths in Vermont occur in lakes and rivers.
Another hazard found in local rain-swollen rivers and streams is E. coli contamination.
Sampling results from the Southeastern Vermont Watershed Alliance's (SeVWA's) water quality monitoring program taken July 3 found every swimming hole they tested had E. coli results well above the Vermont and EPA standard for swimming suitability of 235 E. coli per 100 milliliters of water.
SeVWA says that swimming in water with an E. coli level greater than 235 per 100 milliliters puts one at a greater risk of developing a waterborne illness.
On the West River, the swimming hole beneath the Dummerston Covered Bridge had a reading of 411, while the Brookline Bridge swimming hole checked in at 489. A sample from South Londonderry above the Route 100 bridge saw 766.
Indian Love Call, on the Rock River in Newfane, registered 273, while Pikes Falls in Jamaica had a 308. The Whetstone Brook behind the former site of the Brattleboro Food Co-op read 727.
According to SeVWA, it is generally prudent to wait 24 to 48 hours after a heavy rainstorm to swim in affected waters. The E. coli in the water may not cause an illness immediately after swimming, though its presence suggests warm-blooded-animal fecal contamination.
The SeVWA says its next sampling dates are July 17 and 31, and August 14 and 28, all Wednesdays. Results will be posted at http://bit.ly/1dfKDHx.