York Region begins water sample program

YorkRegion.com
July 9, 2014
Sean Pearce

The Region of York has kicked off its annual beach water sampling program.

The initiative is meant to keep you in the know about the safety of the water at your favourite swimming spot. As such, you’re encouraged to look for the signs posted at the various public beaches in the region so you can make an informed choice before entering the water.

A blue sign means bacteria are at an acceptable level for swimming, while red means a dip could cause an illness.

Until the end of August, public health officials with the region will collect weekly water samples from the following beaches in Georgina on the shores of Lake Simcoe:

• Claredon (Presently closed due to construction)
• De La Salle Park
• Franklin Beach 
• Glenwood (Presently closed due to weeds and turbidity)
• Holmes Point Park
• Jackson’s Point Harbour/Bonnie Park 
• North Gwillimbury Park
• Peninsula Resort
• Riverview Park
• Sheppard Avenue Park
• Willow Beach Park 
• Willow Wharf Dock

Public health staff will also be sampling water at Cedar Beach Park in Whitchurch-Stouffville as of tomorrow (June 25).

The water samples are submitted to the Public Health Ontario laboratory for bacterial testing. High levels of bacteria can result in skin, ear, eye, nose and throat infections and/or stomach illness.

Beyond water quality, the region encourages you to swim safely this summer and all through the year. Supervising children around a pool or  body of water is among the most important ways you can prevent drowning.

SIDEBAR

For more information on water safety, visit york.ca/injuryprevention For more on the water sampling program, call 1-800-361-5653 or visit york.ca/beaches