Monitored Public Beaches

BEFORE USING A BEACH...
Check the following to make sure it is safe:

1. Has there been heavy rain in the last 24 to 48 hours?
   If so, bacterial levels will be higher and swimming is not recommended.

2. Is the water cloudy?
   If you can’t see your feet at adult's waist depth, bacterial levels may be higher and swimming is not recommended.

3. Are the waves and currents safe?
   Rip currents, undertows and heavy wave action increase risk to swimmers.

4. Are there any other problems with the beach?
   Large numbers of waterfowl, dead fish, algae/scum, dangerous debris, Municipal or Health Unit warnings/postings all indicate increased health risk.

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Latest Test Results

Public Beaches		Test Results *	Date Tested	Posted Unsafe (Y/N) *
	Bayshore (Owen Sound)	131	Sep 6/11	Y
	Black Creek (also known as Old Woman’s River) (Northern Bruce Peninsula)	11	Aug 30/11	N
	Durham Conservation Area – Middle Dam (West Grey)	26	Aug 29/11	N
	Kelso Beach (Owen Sound)	1000	Sep 6/11	Y
	Lion’s Head Beach (Northern Bruce Peninsula)	23	Aug 30/11	N
	Little River Park (Blue Mountains)	10	Aug 30/11	N
	Northwinds (Blue Mountains)	11	Aug 30/11	N
	Sauble Beach (South Bruce Peninsula)	10	Aug 29/11	N
	Station Park Beach (Kincardine)	10	Aug 29/11	N

 

* NOTE:

Results are measured as the average of E. coli bacteria per 100 mL of water from the samples taken from the beach. The Provincial limit is 100, Health Canada’s limit for swimming is 200 and Health’s Canada’s limit for secondary contact activities (canoeing, fishing etc.) is 1000. The risk to your health increases as the number increases.

Posting a beach occurs when there is evidence of an increased risk to health and safety of its users. 

For more information regarding the monitoring of public bathing beaches please contact the Health Unit at 376-9420, 1-800-263-3456.