Beaches are safe for swimming in Oakville, Milton, Burlington

All the public beaches in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills are safe for swimming based on testing conducted yesterday (June 28).

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

Beaches in Halton are selected for monitoring based on how often they are used for swimming and other water sports.

The following beaches were tested Wednesday, June 28, and all came back as safe for swimming:

• Beachway Park, 1094 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington
• Brant Street Beach, Lakeshore/Brant St., Burlington
• Bronte Beach Park, Lakeshore Rd./Bronte Rd., Oakville
• Coronation Park East, 1426 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville
• Coronation Park West, 1426 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville
• South Shell Park Beach, 3376 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville
• Kelso Beach, 5234 Kelso Rd., Milton

Prospect Park Old Beach, 30 Park Ave., in Acton remains potentially unsafe for swimming based on the last test conducted June 7.

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

The Health Department monitors public beaches to protect swimmers from illnesses linked to unsafe water quality. Swimming in water with large amounts of algae or other debris can be a hazard. Swimming in water with high levels of bacteria can cause an increased risk of:

• Infection in ears, eyes, nose and throat.
• Gastrointestinal or stomach illnesses when water is swallowed.
• Swimming in water with excess algae or other debris can be a hazard.

To alert bathers to the potential of a higher than normal risk of infection, a warning sign is posted by the Local Municipality advising the users that the water may be unsafe for swimming. Postings are removed once sample results indicate the levels of bacteria are within acceptable limits.