Here are the latest water testing results for the Niagara Region for those looking to swim.
| Beach | Municipality | Water Temperature | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bay Beach (Crystal)Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
Fort Erie | 24.2°C / 75.56°F | July 29 |
| Bernard Avenue Beach Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
Fort Erie | 24.1°C / 75.38°F | July 29 |
 Crescent BeachOpen for swimming |
Fort Erie | 24.6°C / 76.28°F | July 28 |
| Waverly Beach Unsafe to swim due to algae |
Fort Erie | July 26 | |
| Casablanca Beach Open for swimming |
Grimsby | 18.5°C / 65.3°F | July 29 |
| Fifty Point Conservation Beach Open for swimming |
Grimsby | 21.2°C / 70.16°F | July 28 |
| Nelles Beach Unsafe to swim due to safety |
Grimsby | July 28 | |
| Charles Daley Park Open for swimming |
Lincoln | 21.8°C / 71.24°F | July 28 |
| Queen’s Royal Beach Open for swimming |
Niagara-on-the-Lake | 23.8°C / 74.84°F | July 28 |
| Centennial Cedar Bay Beach Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 24.4°C / 75.92°F | July 29 |
| Nickel Beach Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 23.8°C / 74.84°F | July 29 |
| Sherkston Elco Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
Port Colborne | 24.4°C / 75.92°F | July 29 |
| Sherkston Quarry Beach Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 26.3°C / 79.34°F | July 29 |
| Sherkston Wyldewood Beach Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 24.5°C / 76.1°F | July 29 |
| Lakeside Beach Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
St. Catharines | 23.1°C / 73.58°F | July 29 |
| Sunset Beach Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
St. Catharines | 23.2°C / 73.76°F | July 29 |
| Long Beach Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
Wainfleet | 24.1°C / 75.38°F | July 29 |
| Reebs Bay Unsafe to swim due to algae |
Wainfleet | July 21 | |
| Wainfleet Lake Erie Public Access Beach Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
Wainfleet | 23.9°C / 75.02°F | July 29 |
Beach Monitoring Program
Niagara Region Public Health’s beach monitoring program operates annually from Victoria Day to Labour Day. The goal of is to reduce the risk of illness and injury associated with attending the beach.
The program consists of onsite beach assessments that include bacteriological water testing, as well as monitor factors that impact water quality such as air temperature, water temperature, water cloudiness, wind speed and wave height.
Beaches Monitored
Niagara Region monitors beaches and water front areas annually from Victoria Day to Labour Day. These locations are designated by local municipalities and have many services provided, such as parking, washrooms, garbage removal and routine beach maintenance.
Each beach is sampled between one to six time per week, based on annual assessments and public usage.
A public beach that we sample must include:
- Any public bathing area owned or operated by a municipality
- The general public has access
- Recreational use of the water (such as beach signage, sectioned off swimming area, water safety/rescue equipment, lifeguard chairs)
Factors that Affect Water Conditions
Entering water with high bacteria levels can cause eye, ear, nose, throat and skin infections as well as stomach problems if the water is swallowed.
The following conditions can cause bacteria levels to rise:
- Large number of swimmers
- Wind and high waves
- Large number of birds
- Heavy rainfall in the last 24 to 48 hours
- Cloudy water (where you cannot see your feet in waist depth water)
Posting / Closing Beaches
Beaches are monitored for bacteria levels (E. Coli), algae growth and safety concerns (such as debris, spills). When safety concerns show high levels of bacteria, the beach is posted as unsafe for swimming.
Regardless of the beach posting status, it is recommended that you monitor weather and water quality factors before swimming.
To receive similar content, “Like” us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/niagarabuzz.ca
