Swimming in the lake can be a nice way to spend a hot summer day, but pollution means taking a dip isn't always such a great idea health-wise. While you should always avoid swallowing the water as much as possible, Toronto's Department of Public Health also tests the water quality at Toronto's eleven supervised beaches during June, July and August. The beaches tested are:
- Marie Curtis Park East Beach
- Sunnyside Beach
- Hanlan's Point Beach
- Gibraltar Point Beach
- Centre Island Beach
- Ward's Island Beach
- Cherry Beach
- Woodbine Beaches
- Kew - Balmy Beach
- Bluffer's Park Beach
- Rouge Beach
How to Find the Latest Beach Water Quality Update
The status of the beach water is updated daily. There are three ways to find out the current water status at any particular beach.By Phone:
Call the Beach Water Quality Hotline at 416-392-7161. A recorded message will first list the beaches that are open for swimming, and then those at which swimming is not recommended.
Online:
Visit www.toronto.ca/beach/ for the up-to-date status. You can see a small map of all the beaches, or visit the detailed page for the beach you're interested in.
On Site:
While at one of the eleven beaches, you should always look for the water quality sign before entering the water. When E. coli levels are unsafe, the sign will read "Warning - Unsafe for Swimming". Check sign locations on the City of Toronto website.
What to Do When the Water's Unsafe
Remember, just because the water at a beach may be unsafe for swimming doesn't mean the beach itself is closed. You can still pack the sunscreen and head out for a day of lounging or sports in the sand. Or grab your bathing suit anyway and check out one of Toronto's many indoor and outdoor public pools!References: Toronto Public Health
