It's a warm weekend, but be careful where you choose to cool off.
The Otago Regional Council has deemed Brighton, Macandrew Bay and Tomahawk (west) Beaches unsuitable for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
Also off limits are the Taieri River at Outram and the Waikouaiti River at Bucklands Crossing.
Council resource science manager Dean Olsen blamed run-off after heavy rainfall last Sunday for the high readings of E. coli, which can cause gastroenteritis within 12 hours of exposure.
"Always avoid rivers for 24 to 48 hours after heavy rainfall or if the water is dirty."
While the readings were taken earlier this week, he urged the public to steer clear of the five swimming spots until the all-clear was given.
Macandrew Bay beach was especially prone to pollution after heavy rainfall, and the bacteria could linger in the harbour, he said.
The regional council and the Dunedin City Council monitor beach and river bacteria levels weekly from December to March.
The Land Air Water Aotearoa website provides live updates for overall bacterial risk at popular swimming spots.
