Spending time at the beach is a popular summer pastime and can be great for your mental and physical well-being. However, there is the possibility of injury or illness resulting from recreational water use if there is polluted or unsafe conditions. Human illness and infection can be caused by organisms (bacteria, viruses and parasites) that may be in natural bodies of water.
The health unit monitors water safety at several designated public beaches in Simcoe County and Muskoka Region. Water samples are taken at these beaches and are tested for levels of E. coli bacteria. When elevated levels of E. coli are present in the samples, the beach may be posted with an advisory indicating it is unsafe for swimming. Or the beach may be closed until water samples come back clean. Beaches are also monitored for other potential hazards, including harmful algae blooms such as blue-green algae.
Environmental conditions, animals and waterfowl can also impact water quality at beaches. Rain is the biggest factor that impacts beach water quality. Rain washes contaminants into the water. While small amounts of rainfall are unlikely to have much impact, we advise you to avoid swimming for 24-48 hours if it has rained heavily.
If you are planning to visit a public beach, check the Beach Advisory section of our website before you go to make sure it's safe for swimming.
Visit SMDHU’s pages to learn more about Beach Water Quality.