Keeping you safe this summer

Summer has now officially begun with more time for visits to the beach and other warm weather activities.

Whether enjoying a day at a local beach or outdoor time spent with family and friends, the Health Department provides information to help you plan for the safe enjoyment of summer-time activities.

Every week from the beginning of June until the end of August, our public health inspectors sample and monitor the waters of 14 public beaches in Durham Region.

Through our Beach Monitoring program, we conduct bacterial water tests to determine if beaches are safe for swimming.

Each week, these water samples are sent to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory in Peterborough for testing, and we share these results with our community.

These tests help to determine if a beach should be posted as unsafe for swimming or indicated as open and safe for use.

Beaches are posted as unsafe for swimming when elevated levels of E. coli exceed the acceptable provincial standard.

As well as providing information on posted or open beaches, the Health Department reminds everyone not to swim in beach water for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall, as bacteria levels can increase from run-off associated with rainwater.

In addition to beach monitoring, the Health Department works with local municipalities and community partners to provide notification for heat and air quality warnings.

While both heat and air quality alerts are issued through Environment and Climate Change Canada, throughout the summer, the Health Department provides information to notify residents when alerts are issued.

Through our social media channels, we share tips and advice for staying cool and how to recognize and respond to heat illness during times of extreme heat.

We also share guidance for planning outdoor activities, particularly if outdoor air quality is poor.

In addition, we provide notification to local agencies and community partners that provide services for individuals in our community who are more at-risk, and who may need additional supports during extreme heat or poor air quality occurrences.

For more information about the Health Department’s Beach Monitoring program or about our role and activities related to heat and air quality concerns, visit durham.ca/EnvironmentAndHealth.

Wishing everyone a very enjoyable and safe summer season!