Beaches in Oakville, Burlington unsafe for swimming, Kelso in Milton gets thumbs up

A pair of Lake Ontario beaches, in Oakville and Burlington, have been deemed unsafe for swimming following this week’s safety testing on Aug. 23.

Bronte Beach Park, Lakeshore Rd./Bronte Rd., in Oakville, and Brant Street Beach, Lakeshore Rd. and Brant St., Burlington, failed the weekly surveillance performed by Halton Region Public Health.

Five of eight Halton beaches were declared safe for swimming after testing in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills.

The following beaches have all been declared safe for swimming:

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

Acton’s Prospect Park Old Beach, 30 Park Ave., has a cautionary label of ‘may be unsafe for swimming’. It was last tested on Aug. 2.

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.

From June 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.