Cooler weather helps 11 of Ontario region’s 15 public beaches pass inspection

After a mid-summer heatwave hit Durham Region last week, it was no surprise that seven of the region’s 15 public beaches failed inspections, with elevated levels of bacteria making them unsafe for swimmers.

With cooler weather upon us this week, the weekend forecast for beach goers looks far more promising, with 11 beaches declared safe for swimming by the Durham Region Health department.

Passing the test this week is both Frenchman’s Bay East and Frenchman’s Bay West in Pickering, Paradise Beach in Ajax and both Whitby Beach (an improvement from last week’s no-go declaration) and Iroquois Park Beach in Whitby.

Also making the grade is Lakeview Beach West, while its neighbour at Lakeview Beach East did not pass. Both Oshawa beaches were off limits to swimmers last weekend.

Bowmanville East and West beaches both passed last week but the east beach failed inspection this week. Newcastle Beach Central, also in Clarington, was deemed safe for swimming.

In the north, both Beaverton North and South beaches on Lake Simcoe failed inspection while Thorah Central beach passed the test.

Lake Scugog beaches Kinsmen Beach and Caesarea Beach were declared safe for swimmers.

Throughout the summer from the first week of June to the end of August, Durham Region Health Department officials test the waters at public beaches as part of its beach monitoring program. Tests carried out at all Durham Region beaches include testing water samples for high levels of bacteria to let beach visitors know which beaches are safe for swimming.