What to know
- Toronto residents are being urged to check beach water quality before swimming this summer, as extreme heat and environmental factors can affect conditions in Lake Ontario.
- The City of Toronto regularly tests beaches for E. coli, while Toronto Metropolitan University research found seagull waste and heavy rainfall are among the main causes of higher bacteria levels.
- Although two beaches were briefly flagged Friday morning, all 10 supervised Toronto beaches were cleared for swimming by the late morning, with seven holding internationally recognized Blue Flag certification.
- Swimmers are advised to avoid entering the water for 24 to 48 hours after heavy rain, avoid swallowing lake water, and only swim when they can clearly see their feet in waist-deep water.
As Toronto residents navigate this year’s hotter-than-usual summer, it’s important to ensure water across Toronto beaches is safe to swim in before taking a dip.
Environment Canada reported this summer would see more extreme heat than usual, with temperatures at times reaching the mid to late 30s.
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What’s contaminating the water?
The City of Toronto checks water quality at its multiple beaches frequently throughout the summer. Its crews test for E. coli, a bacterium that can indicate fecal contamination in Lake Ontario.
Additionally, according to a study recently done by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), bacteria in the lake can also spike due to seagulls, as researchers found that when water had higher levels of E. coli, it was mostly of the time because of higher levels of seagull-related contamination.
Additionally, heavy rain can also add bacteria to the water. The city claims rain can wash contaminants from the ground into streams, rivers and lakes.
It’s recommended to avoid swimming in the lake 24 to 48 hours after heavy rainfall.
Aside from these contaminants, the TMU reported beaches in Toronto are generally safe to swim in.
Ahead of beach trips and plans to swim in the lake, residents are asked to check conditions on the City of Toronto website before swimming.
What are the current swimming conditions?
Early Friday morning, water at two Toronto beaches had been marked for possible contamination, but as of 10:41 a.m. the same day, all Toronto beaches were cleared for swimming.
These beaches include:
Marie Curtis Park East Beach – The bottom of 42nd St., South of Lakeshore Blvd. W.
Sunnyside Beach – The bottom of Parkside Dr., South of Lakeshore Blvd.
Hanlan’s Point Beach – West side of Hanlan’s Point island
Gibraltar Point Beach – South-west tip of the island, between Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point
Centre Island Beach – South Side of Centre Island
Ward’s Island Beach – South-east side of Ward’s Island
Cherry Beach – The bottom of Cherry St., South Portlands Area.
Woodbine Beaches – The bottom of Woodbine Ave., West Beach Area.
Kew Balmy Beach – South of Queen St. E., Central & East Beach Area.
Bluffer’s Beach Park – The bottom of Brimley Rd., Scarborough Bluffs Area.
Blue Flag verified
Out of the 10 supervised beaches, seven of them have received Blue Flag verification, a global designation that recognizes high standards for water quality, environmental management, safety and education.
These beaches include:
Bluffer’s Beach
Cherry Beach
Hanlan’s Point Beach
Ward’s Island Beach
Kew-Balmy Beach
Woodbine Beach
Gibraltar Point Beach
Extra tips before taking a dip
The city also warns swimmers to avoid swallowing lake water when swimming, as well as ensuring feet are visible in waist-deep water; otherwise, it could be a sign of a high level of bacteria in the water.
