File Photo/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

Public Advisory

City of Medicine Hat advises of swimmer’s itch potential from water at Echo Dale

Aug 14, 2025 | 7:35 AM

The City of Medicine Hat has said they have found the presence of aquatic life that can produce swimmer’s itch in the Echo Dale Regional Park swim lake and boat lake.

This is after tests were conducted by parks and recreation staff.

The city said that swimmer’s itch is an itchy rash people may get from shallow, warm water. It may appear in outdoor water bodies during warmer weather.

City staff are working to further treat the water in the swim lake to reduce its presence.

Signage has also been posted onsite, with the city saying it’s still ok to enter the water, but to be advised of the following:

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• The rash isn’t contagious or dangerous, just itchy.
• It typically disappears after about a week
• Shower and towel off right after swimming to reduce the chance of getting it

Additional information about swimmer’s itch can be found on the Alberta Health Services Website.

Further questions can be directed to the parks and recreation department for the city by calling 403-529-8333 or emailing PKRCAdmin@medicinehat.ca.