Beach Advisory

Analysis:

This story appears to be the result of a media release from the Ottawa County Health Department on an e-coli testing of a beach in Ottawa County. WXMI then gets a sound-bite and runs a little b-roll of the beach front and that is it.

Viewers hear a comment from a representative of the Health Department, but no elaboration or qualification is provided by the news reader, even though one of the results mentioned is death. Some details on e-coli may be useful for viewers as well as other resources about beach closings due to contamination.

Story:

WXMI News reader – There was a no swim advisory for a beach in Ottawa County tonight due to high levels of e-coli. The Rosy Mound recreation area in Grand Haven Township is off limits until it gets the all clear. The County Health Department took a sample on Tuesday and said that e-coli levels were more than 71 units higher than health standards. No fines or tickets for swimmers while it’s closed but the Health Department says it is a serious risk.

Ottawa County Health Department – If you were to ingest water or anything for that matter with e-coli, significant intestinal issues can arise and it can result in death.

WXMI News reader – The Health Department thinks dredging nearby or rain could have caused the problem. They hope the beach can be re-opened this weekend.

Total Time: 42 seconds