Four beaches off-limits for swimming in Burlington, Oakville, Milton

The latest round of water testing shows a handful of local beaches in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills are now unsafe for swimming.

Testing on July 3 by Halton Region Public Health shows four areas that should be avoided this weekend: Brant Street Beach, Lakeshore Rd. and Brant St., Burlington; Bronte Beach Park, Lakeshore Road/Bronte Road in Oakville; Coronation Park East, 1426 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville; and Prospect Park Old Beach, 30 Park Ave., Acton.

Overall, six of 10 Halton beaches got the thumbs up from the Public Health Department.

The following beaches have all been declared safe for swimming:

• Beachway Park, 1094 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington
• Lakeside Park Beach, 144 Front St., Oakville
• South Shell Park Beach, 3376 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville
• Coronation Park West, 1426 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville
• Kelso Beach, 5234 Kelso Rd., Milton
• Kelso Cove Waterpark, 5234 Kelso Rd., Milton

During the summer months, Halton Region Public Health monitors water quality at selected recreational beaches in Halton Region. This is done as part of the Region’s commitment to protect the safety, health and well-being of all Halton residents.

Until the Labour Day weekend Halton public beaches are routinely sampled every Wednesday. Since water quality can change day-to-day, or even hour-to-hour depending on many factors, beach goers cannot rely only on lab results.

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Here are some factors beach goers need to take into consideration before swimming:

• Rain has a significant impact on water quality. Rain washes contaminants into streams, rivers and lakes, increasing the bacterial levels. We do not recommend swimming for 24-48 hours after heavy rainfalls.
• High winds can cause waves which stir up sand and silt, making the water cloudy. If the water appears cloudy (i.e. you can’t see your feet standing waist deep in the water), swimming is not recommended.
• The presence of seagulls, geese, ducks, and their droppings can have a significant impact on water quality, increasing the bacterial levels.
• Warmer water temperatures in shallow water are more favourable for bacterial growth and may increase bacterial levels.
• Heavy algae growth or accumulation
• Visible debris, metal, or sharp objects in the water or beach area

For more information about public beaches in Halton, visit the region’s website.