Grey Bruce Public Health is advising the public that Kelso Beach at Nawash Park in Owen Sound remains posted as unsafe for swimming.

The advisory, first issued by GBPH on Aug. 27, 2026, will remain in place over the Labour Day long weekend as water-sampling results continue to show bacterial levels exceeding Ontario Ministry of Health standards for swimming/bathing.

Grey Bruce Public Health received the test results from its most recent samples on Thursday, Sept. 3. New samples will be taken on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

“As the forecast is calling for warm weather and sunny skies for this last long weekend of summer, we wanted to remind residents and visitors that this no-swim advisory remains in place,” says Senior Public Health Manager Andrew Barton.

He noted that recent rainfall is likely a contributing factor to the high bacteria levels at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park.

The beach posting will remain in effect until further samples show levels have returned to within the acceptable range for swimming/bathing.

Residents and visitors should refrain from swimming or playing in the water at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park or let pets drink or play in the water until the no-swimming advisory is lifted.

The splash pad at the park is not impacted by this advisory as it is only connected to municipal, treated water. The City of Owen Sound also advises that the water used in the park’s washrooms and other potable water at the park is safe to use.

Even if a beach is not posted as unsafe for swimming, Grey Bruce Public Health always recommends that people assess the water’s condition in real-time and use their best judgment before swimming or playing in the water. GBPH recommends avoiding swimming 24 to 48 hours after heavy rainfall, or if you can’t see your feet in waist-deep water.

Water with bacterial levels above provincial standards for bathing can increase the risk of skin, eye, ear, nose, and throat infections or gastrointestinal illness.