Water Quality Alert: Stay Out of the Water at These 12 Niagara Beaches

As of July 22, 2025, Niagara Region Public Health has issued a warning for swimmers to stay out of the water at 12 local beaches due to unsafe water quality. These public beaches are tested regularly for bacteria to ensure that the water is safe for swimming. If you’re planning to visit any of these beaches, it’s important to know the latest updates on their water safety.

Unsafe Beaches as of July 22, 2025

The following beaches are currently unsafe for swimming, according to the latest water quality tests:

1. Waverly Beach (Fort Erie)
2. Fifty Point Conservation Area Beach (Hamilton)
3. Nelles Beach (Grimsby)
4. Charles Daley Park Beach (Lincoln)
5. Queen’s Royal Beach (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
6. Centennial Park Beach (Port Colborne)
7. Nickel Beach (Port Colborne)
8. Lakeside Beach (St. Catharines)
9. Sunset Beach (St. Catharines)
10. Long Beach (Wainfleet)
11. Reebs Bay Beach (Wainfleet)
12. Lake Erie Beach (Wainfleet)

Safe Beaches for Swimming

While many beaches have been flagged as unsafe, several remain safe for swimming. Here are some beaches that have tested safe for swimming:

• Bernard Avenue Beach (Fort Erie)
• Casablanca Beach (Grimsby)
• Crescent Beach (Fort Erie)
• Crystal Beach (Ridgeway)
• Elco Beach (Port Colborne)
• Sherkston Quarry Beach (Port Colborne)
• Wyldewood Beach (Port Colborne)

What to Know About Water Safety

Water quality is deemed unsafe for swimming if a sample contains 400 or more E. coli bacteria per 100 millilitres of water, or if the average of five samples exceeds 200 E. coli per 100 millilitres. The high presence of E. coli increases the likelihood of other harmful bacteria, which can cause illnesses like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases, it may also lead to skin rashes or ear, eye, nose, and throat infections.

Public health advises against swimming during rainy weather, when water conditions are wavy or cloudy, or when there is significant bird activity around the beach. High bacteria levels are often more prevalent after heavy storms or rainfall, which can also lead to pollution and runoffs from nearby areas.

Key Points to Remember:

• The most recent tests show unsafe water quality at 12 beaches in Niagara.
• The beaches listed above are currently unsafe due to high bacteria levels.
• Other factors like weather, runoff, and pollution can also affect water safety.
• Make sure to stay informed by checking the latest reports if you’re planning to swim at any Niagara beaches.

Are you planning to visit one of these Niagara beaches? How do you stay safe when enjoying outdoor water activities? Share your tips in the comments!

More…

• https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/beach-water-quality/stay-out-of-the-water-at-12-niagara-public-beaches/article_460beaf0-7c2a-5d78-8efc-2146764e7abc.html 
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/attention-swimmers-ecoli-count-at-two-toronto-beaches-exceeds-threshold 
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/toronto-beaches-deemed-unsafe-for-swimming-due-to-e-coli