Scientists from the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research will take to the beach at Rondeau Provincial Park to explain how their research helps keep the waters safe for swimmers.

“Water Monitoring 101” sessions at 10:30 a.m. July 29 and 30 will demonstrate taking samples from the water and sediment, says doctoral student Danielle VanMensel, one of the organizers.

“We’re going to explain why we study what we study, and why it’s important to look at the quality of the water,” she says. “Our project is trying to understand the system on a holistic level.

“We hope it will lead to treatment options to keep our beaches open for everyone to enjoy without having to worry about getting sick.”

VanMensel’s research specialty is analyzing sediment cores for the contaminants — chemical or bacterial — that can affect the health of humans and the environment.

“The public interest has been phenomenal,” she says. “People are concerned and they want to be able to go to the beach.”

The presentations are set for Beach Access 10 in Rondeau Provincial Park, located on Lake Erie south of Morpeth. Find details on the park website.