Avoid swimming at three public beaches in Niagara due to elevated bacterial levels.
Hit the Shore with Caution: Beach Water Quality Report
Are you planning a dip in the water at these Niagara Region beaches? You might want to reconsider after these latest updates:
- Bernard Avenue Beach in Fort Erie (1 Bernard Avenue) saw the waters tested safe on June 10
- Casablanca Beach in Grimsby (565 North Service Road) also tested safe on June 10
- Centennial Park Beach in Port Colborne (2767 Vimy Road) was safe on June 6
- Charles Daley Park Beach in Lincoln (1969 North Service Road) passed the test on June 10
- Crescent Beach in Fort Erie (1199 Edgemere Lane) tested safe on June 10
- Unfortunately, Crystal Beach in Ridgeway (4155 Erie Road) didn't pass on June 10
- Elco Beach in Port Colborne (Shore Line Drive) saw the waters test safe on June 10
- Fifty Point Conservation Area Beach in Hamilton (1479 Baseline Road) passed on June 10
- Lake Erie Beach in Wainfleet (12463 Lakeshore Road) failed on June 6
- Lakeside Beach in St. Catharines (1 Lakeport Road) tested safe on June 10
- Long Beach in Wainfleet (Augustine Road) saw the waters test safe on June 6
- Nelles Beach in Grimsby (91 Lake Street) tested safe on June 10
- Nickel Beach in Port Colborne (69 Lake Road) passed on June 6
- Queen's Royal Beach in Niagara-on-the-Lake (45 Front Street) failed on June 6
- Reebs Bay Beach in Wainfleet (607 Lakeshore Road #621) tested safe on June 6
- Sherkston Quarry Beach in Port Colborne (Beach View EWS) saw the waters test safe on June 10
- Sunset Beach in St. Catharines (1 Lombardy Avenue) tested safe on June 10
- Waverly Beach in Fort Erie (271 Helena Street) tested safe on June 10
- Wyldewood Beach in Port Colborne (Alfies Lane) tested safe on June 10
According to strict public health standards, water is considered unsafe for swimming when a single sample contains 400 or more E. coli bacteria per 100 milliliters, or the geometric mean of five samples reaches 200 or more.
Consider a swim at your own risk as the testing and results may take some time, and water conditions can change due to weather, runoff, pollution, and more. Consuming E. coli can cause severe illness like stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and potentially other harmful organisms that can lead to skin rashes, infections, and unpleasant side effects.
Be sure to check your surroundings as well for potential hazards such as blue-green algae, litter, sharp debris, or dead fish that may affect your beach experience.
For daily updates on the beach water quality reports, keep an eye on Niagara Region Public Health's announcements from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer months. Stay safe and enjoy your time at the beach!
[1] "Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality."[2] "Halton Region Beach and Waterway Safety Program."[3] "Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Beach Safety."[4] "Recreational Water Quality Guidelines."[5] "Harbor Beach Fails Regular Test, Still Safe for Swimming in Huron County"
- Even though the water at these Niagara Region beaches might seem inviting, it's essential to be aware that the quality of the water can be influenced by factors like weather, runoff, and pollution.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, consuming E. coli bacteria found in contaminated water can lead to serious illnesses such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, as well as potentially other harmful organisms that can cause skin rashes, infections, and unpleasant side effects.
- To ensure a safe and enjoyable health-and-wellness experience at the beach amid the dynamic changes in water conditions, it's recommended to consult the daily beach water quality reports provided by Niagara Region Public Health and practice caution when swimming.
