Public Beaches in Toronto and York Region Open for Swimming

As of August 23 at 9 a.m., all public beaches in Toronto and York Region are open for swimming. This announcement comes as a part of the summer activities, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the waterfront.

According to guidelines set by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, water at these beaches is considered unsafe for swimming if one sample contains 400 or more E. coli bacteria per 100 millilitres, or if the geometric mean of five samples is 200 or more. Testing beach water for E. coli can take over a day, and therefore, the latest data may not accurately reflect current beach conditions.

Swimming is not recommended under certain conditions. These include instances of rainfall, wavy or cloudy water, a significant number of birds present, or for two days following a major storm. Exposure to E. coli can lead to severe health issues such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Furthermore, the detection of high levels of E. coli raises the likelihood of harmful organisms also being present, which could result in skin rashes and infections affecting the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.

Beaches may also be deemed unsafe for swimming due to other factors, including adverse weather conditions, pollution, runoff, unpleasant odors, visible garbage, sharp debris, or dead fish. Public beaches are monitored for blue-green algae, which poses significant toxicity risks to humans and animals alike.