Most beaches remain unsafe for swimming in Oakville, Burlington, Milton

It’s no surprise that most public beaches in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton have been declared unsafe for swimming following this week’s storms.

Testing on July 17 by Halton Region Public Health shows only two beaches that the all-clear: Beachway Park, 1094 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington; and South Shell Park Beach, 3376 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville.

These remaining eight public beaches should be avoided:

• Brant Street Beach, Lakeshore Rd. and Brant St., Burlington
• Bronte Beach Park, Lakeshore Road/Bronte Road in Oakville
• Lakeside Park Beach, 144 Front St., Oakville
• Coronation Park East, 1426 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
• Prospect Park Old Beach, 30 Park Ave., Acton

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.

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.