Stay out of the water at two York Region public beaches

Here's the latest beach water quality report from York Region Public Health as of Aug. 29 at 7 a.m.

Thestar.com
Aug. 29, 2023

Heading to the beach? You’ll want to stay out of the water at Willow Beach Conservation Area and Peninsula Resort as of Aug. 29 at 7 a.m. Here's the latest beach water quality report from York Region Public Health:

Bonnie Park Beach in Jackson's Point (37 Malone Road) tested safe for swimming on August 23

Cedar Beach in Whitchurch-Stouffville (150 Cedarvale Boulevard) tested safe for swimming on August 23

Claredon Beach Park Beach in Keswick (Windy Shore Drive) tested safe for swimming on August 24

Corner Park Beach in Pefferlaw (100 Clovelly Cove) tested safe for swimming on August 23

De La Salle Park Beach in Jackson's Point (1924 Metro Road North) tested safe for swimming on August 24

Franklin Beach Conservation Area Beach in Jackson's Point (753 Lake Drive East) tested safe for swimming on August 24

Holmes Point Park Beach in Pefferlaw (131 Holmes Point Road) tested safe for swimming on August 24

Joy Marritt Parkette Beach in Keswick (275 Church Street) tested safe for swimming on August 23

North Gwillimbury Park Beach in Keswick (846 Lake Drive North) tested safe for swimming on August 8

Peninsula Resort Beach in Pefferlaw (202 Holmes Point Road) tested unsafe for swimming on August 24

Riverview Park Beach in Pefferlaw (98 Irving Drive) tested safe for swimming on August 23

Sheppard Park and Wharf Beach in Keswick (971 Lake Drive North) tested safe for swimming on August 23

Willow Beach Conservation Area Beach in Keswick (1506 Metro Road) tested unsafe for swimming on August 24

Willow Wharf Park Beach in Keswick (Lake Drive East) tested safe for swimming on August 23

Up for a day trip? Find the latest reports for beaches outside York Region

According to public health guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 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.

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.