Public Beach Listings

Beach monitoring

KFL&A Public Health monitors the water quality at municipally owned or operated public bathing beaches within our area in accordance with the Ontario Beach Management Guidance Document. Monitoring is done weekly from early June until the end of August, and includes a visual inspection of beach conditions and testing for bacteria.  Beaches with consistently good test results are monitored once per month. 

Signs warning against swimming are posted when beach conditions pose a potential health risk to bathers. Most often the posting of a beach is due to high levels of bacteria in the water. 

Before using a beach check the following to make sure it is safe:

• Has there been heavy rain in the last 24 to 48 hours?
  • If yes, bacterial levels will be higher and swimming is not recommended.
• 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.
• Are there any other problems with the beach?
  • Large numbers of waterfowl, dead fish, algae or scum, dangerous debris, or public health warnings or postings indicate increased health risk. 

Some area beaches may be littered with debris from the recent flooding.  For your safety, please use caution.