Avoid swimming at a single public beach in Halton due to potential hazards in the water.
Ready for a dip? Hold on! Heed this latest beach water quality report from Halton Region Public Health:
- Beachway Beach in Burlington (1094 Lakeshore Road) is A-okay for a swim on June 4
- Brant Street Beach in Burlington (Lakeshore Road and Brant Street) is safe for a splash on June 4
- Coronation Park East Beach in Oakville (1426 Lakeshore Road West) is good to go for a swim on June 4
- Coronation Park West Beach in Oakville (1426 Lakeshore Road West) is swell for a dip on June 4
- Lakeside Park Beach in Oakville (144 Front St.) is a hard pass for a swim on June 4
- Prospect Park Beach in Acton (30 Park Avenue) is clear for a swim on June 4
- South Shell Park Beach in Oakville (3376 Lakeshore Road West) is fine for a swim on June 4
But, a heads up... according to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, water gets a big nope if a single test samples 400 or more E. coli bacteria per 100 millilitres, or the geometric mean of five samples is 200 or more. You can't rush testing, either - it takes some time to collect, transport, and examine beach water samples. So, the latest data might not reflect the current beach situation.
Best skip the swim when it's raining, the water's rough, or cloudy, or if there are loads of birds, or for two days after a big storm. Chowing down on E. coli can lead to some serious tummy troubles, like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. High levels of bacteria can also invite harmful organisms that cause skin rashes, eye, ear, nose, and throat infections[1].
Not only water quality, but other factors like weather, runoff, pollution, spills, smells, garbage, sharp debris, and dead fish can make a beach undesirable. Keep your eyes peeled for blue-green algae, which can be hazardous for humans, dogs, and other critters[1].
Remember, you're never too old for swimming lessons – always swim within arm's reach of children, steer clear of solo swimming, and avoid watery fun under the influence of booze or drugs[3]. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and watch out for sunburns[3].
[1] "Halton Region Public Health" (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.halton.ca/FOR/Health/[2] "Ottawa Public Health" (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/[3] "Windsor-Essex County Health Unit" (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wechu.org/[4] "Toronto Public Health" (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/recreation-culture/beaches/beware-of-the-dangerous-riptides-when-swimming/[5] "City of Toronto" (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/recreation-culture/
- The weather conditions, runoff, pollution, spills, and even the presence of dead fish in Toronto's beaches can impact their health-and-wellness quality.
- In Toronto, it's crucial to watch out for blue-green algae, a hazardous substance that can affect humans, pets, and other aquatic life.
- Regular swimming lessons and adhering to safety guidelines, such as avoiding solo swimming, steering clear of water under the influence, and staying within arm's reach of children, are essential for the environment, health, and overall well-being of individuals enjoying Toronto's waters.
