Toronto's Public Beaches Now Allow Swimming
In a recent update, several Toronto public beaches have been declared safe for swimming following the results of their weekly water quality tests conducted on July 4. The beaches that passed the tests include Woodbine Beach (1675 Lake Shore Boulevard East), Kew-Balmy Beach (1 Beech Avenue), Centre Island Beach (Toronto Islands), Sunnyside Beach (1755 Lake Shore Boulevard West), Hanlan's Point Beach (Toronto Islands), Marie Curtis Park Beach (2 42nd Street), Bluffer's Beach (1 Brimley Road South), Ward's Island Beach (Toronto Islands), Gibraltar Point Beach (Toronto Islands), and Cherry Beach (1 Cherry Street).
According to public health guidelines, water is considered unsafe for swimming when one sample contains 400 or more E. coli bacteria per 100 millilitres, or the geometric mean of five samples is 200 or more. These guidelines align with provincial and federal standards in Ontario.
It is important to note that collecting, transporting, and testing beach water for E. coli can take a day or more, so the latest available data may not always reflect the current conditions at the beach. Swimmers are advised to exercise caution and avoid swimming when it's raining, the water is wavy or cloudy, there are lots of birds, or for two days after a big storm.
Public health inspectors and health units monitor water quality and post signs at beaches indicating whether the water is safe for swimming. Residents are advised to check online or posted signs at beaches for water quality results before swimming. When high levels of E. coli are detected, it's more likely that other harmful organisms are present as well, including those that cause skin rashes and eye, ear, nose, and throat infections.
Consuming E. coli can cause serious illness, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is crucial to avoid swallowing the water while swimming and to ensure proper hygiene after leaving the beach. Additionally, public beaches are monitored for blue-green algae, which can be highly toxic to humans, dogs, and other animals.
As of July 5 at 7 a.m., all Toronto public beaches are open for swimming. For the most up-to-date information on water quality at Toronto's public beaches, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Toronto's official website or contact their local health unit.
- As the weather warms up, the health of our community is a top priority, and it's essential to ensure the safety of outdoor-living spaces like Toronto's public beaches.
- Life in Toronto is not only about urban living; home-and-garden enthusiasts can also enjoy the benefits of outdoor-living, like swimming at one of Toronto's many public beaches, if they stay informed about water quality.
- By frequently checking water quality updates and following safety guidelines, we can maintain a healthy, active lifestyle in our community, whether that's at home or enjoying the great outdoors at Toronto's public beaches.
