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York Region’s public beaches are safe for swimming (June 24)

Thestar.com
June 27, 2022

Heading to the beach? You’re in luck -- York Region’s public beaches are safe for swimming as of June 24 at 5 p.m. Here’s the latest beach water quality report from York Region Public Health:

 

Up for a day trip? Find the latest reports for beaches outside York Region
During the summer, York Region Public Health monitors E. coli levels at 14 public beaches. 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, according to public health guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Collecting, transporting and testing beach water for E. coli can take a day or more, so the latest available data may not reflect current conditions at the beach. Swimming is not recommended when it’s raining, the water is wavy or cloudy, there are lots of birds, or for two days after a big storm.

Consuming E. coli can cause serious illness, including stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. When high levels of the bacteria 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.

A beach may also be considered unsafe for swimming due to weather conditions, runoff, pollution, spills, smells, garbage, sharp debris and dead fish. In addition, public beaches are monitored for blue-green algae, which can be highly toxic to humans, dogs and other animals.