General News

Check beach advisory before going swimming

July 5, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

With the arrival of summer, heading out to spend a day at the beach is a popular pastime.

There are many beach areas in the region to enjoy, but before you plan a day trip, you should check the beach advisory to determine if a beach is safe for swimming.

Throughout the summer, more than 50 designated public beaches in Simcoe Muskoka are tested on a regular basis for E. Coli bacteria.

When bacteria levels exceed Ontario guidelines there may be a higher-than-normal risk of illness or infection. When this happens a swimming advisory is posted to let people know of the potential risk.

The post will remain until bacteria levels are within acceptable limits.

In some cases, when a significant risk to health and safety has been identified, a beach will be closed.

Water quality can change from hour to hour depending on weather and lake conditions.

Although the latest available information is posted on the Health Unit’s website, it may not reflect real-time conditions at the beach. You should be aware of environmental factors that can affect water quality.

Beach water quality can be affected by rainfall that washes everything off the surrounding area. This includes bird and dog feces, garbage, and chemicals.

It is best to avoid swimming for 24 to 48 hours after heavy rainfall. People who choose to swim after it rains should avoid dunking their heads and never swallow the water.

Cloudy water created by heavy winds that stir up sand and silt is also linked to high levels of bacteria. If you can’t see your feet when you are waist-deep in water, bacteria levels may be higher. 

Warm, shallow, along with slow-moving bodies of water and wet sand are other breeding grounds for E. coli and other organisms.

It is essential that people wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently while visiting and picnicking at the beach.

Beaches may also be unsafe due to excessive weed growth, oil, floating debris, turbidity, and blue-green algae blooms.

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