Heading to the beach? You’re in luck — all Ontario Parks public beaches are open for swimming as of July 13 at 5 p.m. Here’s the latest beach water quality report from Ontario Parks:
Area 1 Beach in Wasaga Beach (1 Jenetta Street) tested safe for swimming on July 11
Area 2 Beach in Wasaga Beach (6th Street North) tested safe for swimming on July 11
Area 3 Beach in Wasaga Beach (11 22nd Street North) tested safe for swimming on July 11
Bass Lake Beach in Orillia (2540 Bass Lake Side Road East) tested safe for swimming on July 9
Darlington Beach in Bowmanville (1600 Darlington Park Road) tested safe for swimming on July 10
Mara Beach in Longford Mills (181 Courtland Street) tested safe for swimming on July 8
McRae Point Beach in Longford Mills (4366 McRae Park Road) tested safe for swimming on July 8
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.
About this story
This story is automatically generated using data from .
TO
The Torstar Open Data Team produces articles using data and
automation. Topics include weather forecasts, highway closures,
restaurant inspections, beach water quality reports and election
results. The team is Lucas Timmons and Cody Gault with support from
the Star and Metroland’s editorial and technical teams.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
FIRST UP
You're signed up! You'll start getting First Up in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
When big news breaks, don’t miss it with our free alerts
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
You're signed up! You'll start getting news alerts in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Camp is a place where unexpected fun leads to unleashed potential.
With your support, The ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Star Fresh Air Fund provides opportunities for financially vulnerable children to ignite a lifelong love for adventure at camp. Above all, your kindness makes it happen.
