Nine beaches in Durham – including both in Oshawa and all three in Clarington – declared safe for swimming this weekend

If you want to dip your toes in the water at one of Durham Region’s 12 public beaches this weekend, be aware that three of the beaches are closed because of elevated bacteria counts.

Nine beaches, including both Lakeview beaches in Oshawa and all three Clarington beaches (Bowmanville East and West; Newcastle) on Lake Ontario’s shores are open.

Other open beaches include Paradise Beach in Ajax and Frenchman’s Bay East Beach in Pickering, as well as Elgin Pond in Uxbridge and Thorah Centennial Beach, south of Beaverton.

Both Beaverton beaches and Frenchman’s Bay West Beach in Pickering have been posted as closed.

Throughout the summer, Durham’s Health Department tests waters at public beaches as part of its beach monitoring program. Tests carried out at all 12 public beaches include testing water samples for high levels of bacteria to let visitors know which beaches are safe for swimming