4 Popular Missouri Lakes Now Unsafe for Swimming

This is one of the most popular weekends of the year for getting outside and enjoying Missouri lakes. That's why it's vital that everyone with a Missouri lake destination plan to know that several popular water areas have been deemed unsafe for swimming.

According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, you need to avoid swimming at the following beach areas due to unsafe bacteria levels that have been detected in the water:

• Lake of the Ozarks SP - Public Beach #1
• Trail of Tears SP - Public Beach
• Truman SP - Public Beach
• Wakonda SP - Public Beach

Why does the state of Missouri advise against swimming at these lake areas?

The Department of Natural Resources says they test weekly for e. coli and consider water unsafe for swimming that exceeds "190 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water".

What can happen if you get an e. coli infection?

The Mayo Clinic says that symptoms and sickness can vary from mild to severe. For a healthy person, irritating diarrhea is likely to be the main issue. But, very young children and older adults can have a condition that can cause a life-threatening kidney failure in a worst-case scenario. That's why it's not worth taking a chance if you have the option to avoid swimming at these Missouri lakes. The last thing you want out of what should be a fun holiday weekend is a nasty sickness. That's why it's always a good idea to check the latest Missouri beach statuses before you head into the water.