Avoid swimming at six designated public beaches in Niagara due to elevated E. coli levels.
New and Improved Beach Advisory!Head to these spots for a dip: Bernard Avenue, Casablanca, Lake Erie, Nelles, Charles Daley Park, Crescent, Nickel, Lakeside, Long Beach, Wyldewood, and Fifty Point Conservation Area. But steer clear of Crystal, Queen's Royal, Centennial Park, Elco, Sunset, and Reebs Bay at the moment. Check out Niagara Region Public Health's latest beach water quality report:
- Crystal Beach in Ridgeway: Avoide the water, sadly it's unsafe for swimming due to high E. coli levels.
- Centennial Park Beach in Port Colborne: Skip this beach too, it's unsafe for a swim on June 20.
- Queen's Royal Beach in Niagara-on-the-Lake: Avoid dipping because it's currently unsafe for swimming.
- Elco Beach in Port Colborne: It's best to stay out of the water here as well, as it's currently unsafe for swimming.
- Reebs Bay Beach in Wainfleet: You're better off finding another beach to cool off, this one is also unsafe at the moment.
- Sunset Beach in St. Catharines: It's best to steer clear as it's currently unsafe for swimming.
Keep in mind that swimming is generally discouraged when it's raining, the water is wavy, cloudy, there are lots of birds, or for two days after a big storm. And that consuming E. coli can lead to serious illnesses. So, stick to the beaches listed above for a safe and enjoyable swim this summer!
📝 Fun Beach Fact!Beach water is regularly monitored and tested for E. coli, which is a primary indicator of fecal contamination, across Ontario. If levels exceed safe limits, warning or closure signs will be posted. Swimming is generally discouraged after heavy rain, or when warnings are posted due to elevated E. coli levels. Public health units actively communicate beach water quality to keep swimmers informed.
💡 Did You Know?E. coli counts above 100 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters of water are considered a concern, often warranting warnings or swimming advisories in Ontario. This threshold is widely used in Ontario and Canadian guidelines.
- If you're planning a trip to Toronto and prefer health-and-wellness activities, consider visiting Charles Daley Park or Long Beach for fitness-and-exercise, combined with proper nutrition from a nearby health-conscious eatery.
- Interestingly, the weather in Toronto is not just about sunny days and cool breezes; it also plays a significant role in beach advisories, with swimming generally discouraged after heavy rain or elevated E. coli levels, as shown in recent reports for certain beaches along the shores of Lake Erie and Niagara Region.
- To ensure a safe and healthy summer, it's essential to stay informed about the beach water quality. For instance, while enjoying a day at the beach in Toronto, one must adhere to the advisories and avoid swimming at beaches like Crystal Beach, Centennial Park Beach, Queen's Royal Beach, Elco Beach, Reebs Bay Beach, Sunset Beach, and others that have recently shown unsafe water quality due to high E. coli levels.
