How swimmable are Toronto beaches?

The city tested eleven beaches daily in swim season
Here is a wrap up of how clean the water was summer ’09
Some beaches safe daily, others posted high levels of E.coli
By Kris Scheuer

Councillor Bill Saundercook swims at Sunnyside in mid-June with his wedding suit on to promote how safe it is. Photo by Francis Crescia/Town Crier.

It’s a little chilly for a dive in the lake at any of Toronto’s beaches now, but these hot spots are packed all summer.
Interestingly, most people go down for a stroll on the boardwalk or walk their dog, but not for a swim in the water.
But our beaches are top notch, in most cases. In fact seven of them fly a Blue Flag, which is an international rating.
And the city tests beach water daily from June 1 to the first week of September.
So just how well did Toronto’s 11 beaches stack up this season?
Take a look for yourself.

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Toronto swim conditions Sept 5

For third day in a row, all eleven beaches safe to swim
City water tests post positive results today for beaches
By Kris Scheuer

Never mind that this gentleman "flashed" me before he dove in. It was a great shot of him splashing into the lake at Woodbine Beach. Photo by Kris Scheuer/Town Crier.

Is it just me or does it seem like summer is finally here?
Better late that not at all. I will take what I can get.
For the third day in a row it has been sunny and warm.
And with the Labour Day long weekend here many of us city folk may be flocking to the beaches to soak it all in.
All the beaches have safe levels of E.coli. This means 100 E.coli (or less) per 100 ml of water.
The city tests water at eleven beaches plus the Sunnyside Enclosure daily during the summer season.
I have the results below for Sept. 5.

Safe to swim Unsafe to swim
		1. Marie Curtis Park East Beach				6. Ward’s Island Beach
		2. Sunnyside Beach				7. Cherry Beach
		2a. Sunnyside Enclosure				8. Woodbine Beaches
		3. Hanlan’s Point Beach				9. Kew -Balmy Beach
		4. Gibraltar Point Beach				10. Bluffer’s Park Beach
		5. Centre Island Beach				11. Rouge Beach

Results are posted online and updated at 3 p.m. each day.

All Toronto beaches safe to swim

Eleven beaches produce positive water tests
Latest results are positive for all beaches for first time in weeks
By Kris Scheuer

Oh happy days.
For what I believe may be the first time this summer, all Toronto beaches have the green light from public health as safe for swimming. This means tests show 100 E.coli or less per 100 ml of water.
The latest results posted today are for Aug. 8. Too bad there’s a thunderstorm today so it’s unlikely anyone will be swimming in the lake, but never mind that. It’s supposed to feel like 40 C today and if the sun comes out we will all need to cool off in that lovely lake water.

Beach water testing resumes post strike

Toronto’s 11 designated swimming beaches get daily tests again

By Kris Scheuer
The long weekend has begun and so has monitoring beach water for E.coli levels.
The water department tests daily and posts results the following day on the city’s site.
Starting August 1, you can check which beach Toronto Public Health recommends as safe for swimming.