While spending time at our parks and beaches, you should take a few precautions to ensure your safety. Review our swimming and water safety tips.
Swimming advisories and beach closures
Every summer between June and September (Labour Day weekend), the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) collects water samples from select beaches to test bacteria levels. SMDHU tests Innisfil Beach Park, 9th Line Beach Park and Leonard's Beach in Innisfil. Visit their website to find out about any beach water advisories or closures before you head to the beach. We post signs to notify visitors of the beach's status.
Advisories |
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An advisory is a warning to swimmers, but not a beach closure. During an advisory, the water contains levels of bacteria that could mean an increased risk of minor skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections. If you choose to swim during an advisory, avoid putting your head under water or swallowing water. Bacteria levels can increase in recreational beach water due to heavy rainfall, cloudy water, a large number of swimmers, a large number of birds, shallow water, wet sand, wind and high waves, or excessive weed growth. |
Closures |
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A beach closure is issued when there is an immediate risk to health and safety. This could include sewage spills or toxic chemicals in the water. Beach closures are rare, however, we recommend that you check for beach closures before you visit. |
Beach safety
Our beaches are not supervised, and it is your responsibility to ensure safety while enjoying the beach and water. Here are some safety tips you can follow at the beach:
- Children under 5 years of age and anyone who isn't a strong swimmer should wear a life jacket when they are around the water
- Always wear life jackets when riding in a boat
- Supervise your children and stay within arm's reach when your child is in or near the water
- Always swim with a buddy
- Never swallow beach water no matter how clear the water looks