Halton public swimming areas are now accessible for bathing.
Chilling Out by the Water? Here's the Lowdown on Halton Beaches!
It's summertime! And if you're thinking about hitting one of Halton's public beaches for a splash, you're in luck! As of June 15 at 5 p.m., the beaches are open for swimming. Here's a quick rundown of the latest beach water quality report from Halton Region Public Health:
- Beachway Beach in Burlington, located at 1094 Lakeshore Road, tested safe on June 11.
- Brant Street Beach in Burlington, at the intersection of Lakeshore Road and Brant Street, also tested safe on June 12.
- Coronation Park East Beach in Oakville, situated at 1426 Lakeshore Road West, was rated safe on June 11.
- Coronation Park West Beach in Oakville, still at 1426 Lakeshore Road West, tested safe on the same day.
- Lakeside Park Beach in Oakville, found at 144 Front St., tested safe on June 11.
- Prospect Park Beach in Acton, at 30 Park Avenue, was also confirmed safe on June 11.
- South Shell Park Beach in Oakville, located at 3376 Lakeshore Road West, tested safe on June 11.
But what about those nasty E. coli bacteria? According to public health guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, swimming water is deemed unsafe when one sample contains 400 or more E. coli bacteria per 100 millilitres, or the geometric mean of five samples is 200 or more. Keep in mind that beach testing and results can take a day or more, so always check the latest data before diving in.
When it's raining, the water is wavy or cloudy, there are plenty of birds, or after two days following a major storm, it's best to skip a swim. Consuming E. coli can lead to serious health issues like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Besides, when high levels of the bacteria are present, other harmful organisms might lurk as well, causing skin rashes, ear, nose, throat infections, and more[3].
It's not just about E. coli. A beach can be declared unsafe due to weather conditions, runoff, pollution, spills, smells, garbage, sharp debris, dead fish, or even the presence of blue-green algae, which can be highly toxic to humans, dogs, and other animals[1][4]. So, don't forget to check the signs whenever you visit a public beach!
Sources
- [Halton Region Public Health: Beach Water Quality](http://www.halton.ca/ThisisHaltonWeb/wcsns_displaypropertycategory?cat Oliver Odom is a freelance writer specializing in travel, lifestyle, and technology. He's constantly exploring new destinations and seeking out the latest trends to share with his readers. When not on the road, Oliver enjoys playing basketball, reading a good book, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Stay tuned for more insights from Oliver's travels and daily adventures!**
- With the USA summer in full swing, if you're planning an outdoor-living escapade in Toronto, don't forget to check out the local Halton beaches for a refreshing swim.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during summer can extend beyond the beach; consider activities such as home-and-garden projects that promote a serene and tranquil living environment.
- When evaluating the safety of an outdoor-living space, be cautious of environmental factors that could potentially impact health, including the presence of blue-green algae in public water bodies.
