Swimmers warned to stay out of the water after Brampton beach declared unsafe

Brampton residents looking to cool off at the city’s only official swimming beach will have to find another place to take a dip.

Professor’s Lake Beach has been declared unfit for swimming by Peel Public Health after water testing found bacteria levels high enough to pose a potential health risk.

The warning, posted July 10, means swimmers should stay out of the water until testing confirms the lake is safe again.

Located at 1660 North Park Drive near Bramalea Road, Professor’s Lake is one of Brampton’s most popular summer recreation spots, featuring a 400-foot sandy beach, a lakeside trail, beach volleyball, a water slide and an inflatable water park.

While the beach area and other amenities remain open, swimming is not permitted while the warning is in place.

Peel Public Health says high levels of bacteria in recreational water can make people sick and may lead to symptoms including diarrhea, skin rashes, ear pain, coughing or congestion, and eye irritation.

The bacteria levels can rise for several reasons, including heavy rainfall, large numbers of waterfowl, high winds, wave activity and increased numbers of swimmers.

After heavy rain, bacteria from sources such as animal waste, runoff from surrounding areas and other contaminants can wash into lakes and increase the risk of illness.

Peel Public Health regularly tests water at four public beaches in the region to make sure the water quality meets provincial safety standards. Testing begins in June and continues throughout the swimming season, with samples collected Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Signs are posted at beaches based on the results.

A blue notice indicates bacteria levels are within acceptable limits and the beach is open for swimming. A red warning means bacteria levels are elevated and swimming may cause illness.

Health officials also remind swimmers not to enter the water for two days after a heavy rainfall, even if a beach remains open, as bacteria levels can increase following storms.

Professor’s Lake is the only official sandy swimming beach located within Brampton. The 65-acre lake is normally open during the summer season, with beach access available daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For those looking to swim elsewhere while the closure is in effect, nearby options include beaches at Kelso Conservation Area in Milton, as well as waterfront beaches at Lakefront Promenade Park and Jack Darling Memorial Park in Mississauga, which offer supervised swimming areas during the summer months.

Residents are encouraged to check current beach water quality updates before heading out to swim.