Stay out of the water at these Oakville and Halton Hills beaches

Two beaches in Halton Region have been declared unfit for swimmers and bathers.

With the long weekend upon us and the lingering hot weather, people are looking for a place to cool off but should consider the risks before taking the plunge.

While there are still plenty of options available, the water at two beaches has registered E. coli levels that exceed Ministry of Health guidelines.

E. coli is created when sewage and animal waste enter water systems.

According to Halton Region Public Health, swimming in these waters may increase the risk of illness or infections.

The affected beaches are:

• Bronte Beach Park, Lakeshore Road/Bronte Road in Oakville
• Prospect Park Old Beach, 30 Park Avenue, Acton

However several beaches in Halton have been cleared for swimming and other activities. These are:

• Brant Street Beach, Lakeshore Road. and Brant Street, Burlington
• Beachway Park, 1094 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
• Lakeside Park Beach, 144 Front Street, Oakville
• South Shell Park Beach, 3376 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
• Coronation Park East, 1426 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
• Coronation Park West, 1426 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
• Kelso Cove Waterpark, 5234 Kelso Road, Milton
• Kelso Beach, 5234 Kelso Rpadd, Milton

During the summer months, Halton Region Public Health monitors water quality at selected recreational beaches.

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, beachgoers cannot rely only on lab results.

Here are some factors beachgoers 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. The health department does 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. Swimming is not recommended if the water appears cloudy (i.e., you can’t see your feet standing waist-deep in the water).
• The presence of seagulls, geese, ducks, and their droppings can have a significant impact on water quality, increasing bacterial levels.
• Warmer water temperatures in shallow water favour 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.