Six of 19 Niagara beaches unsafe for swimming this weekend

Six of Niagara Region’s 19 beaches are unsafe for public swimming this weekend due to either high ecoli or algae levels.

The region monitors beaches and water front areas annually from Victoria Day to Labour Day. These locations are designated by local municipalities and have many services provided, such as parking, washrooms, garbage removal and routine beach maintenance.

Each beach is sampled between one to six times per week, based on annual assessments and public usage.

Unsafe for swimming this weekend will be: Crystal Beach in Fort Erie (ecoli), Waverley Beach in Fort Erie (algae), Nelles Beach in Grimsby (safety issues), Sherkston Elco Beach in Port Colborne (ecoli), Lakeside Park Beach in St. Catharines (ecoli) and Long Beach in Wainfleet (ecoli).

Still open to public swimming will be: Bernard Avenue Beach and Crescent Beach in Fort Erie, Casablanca Beach and Fifty Point Conservation Beach in Grimsby, Charles Daley Beach in Lincoln, Centennial Cedar Bay Beach, Nickel Beach, Sherkston Quarry Beach and Sherkston Wyldewood Beach in Port Colborne, Sunset Beach in St. Catharines, Reebs Bay and Wainfleet Lake Erie Access Beach in Wainfleet.

The region still warns, “When safety concerns show high levels of bacteria, the beach is posted as unsafe for swimming. Regardless of the beach posting status, it is recommended that you monitor weather and water quality factors before swimming.”