Whitby, Ontario – The following represents beach-posting information for Durham Region beaches. Test results for the week of Aug. 30 indicate that six beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels. Beaches are posted as unsafe for swimming when elevated levels of E. coli exceed the provincial standard of 200 E. coli per 100 ml of water. This is the final report for the 2021 season.
| Beach | Location | Status |
| Beaverton Beach South | Brock | Posted |
| Beaverton Beach North | Brock | Posted |
| Bowmanville Beach East | Clarington | Open |
| Bowmanville Beach West | Clarington | Open |
| Elgin Pond | Uxbridge | Open |
| Frenchman’s Bay East | Pickering | Open |
| Frenchman’s Bay West | Pickering | Open |
| Kinsmen Beach | Scugog | Posted |
| Lakeview Beach East | Oshawa | Open |
| Lakeview Beach West | Oshawa | Posted |
| Newcastle Beach Central | Clarington | Posted |
| Paradise Beach (previously reported as Pickering Beach) | Ajax | Posted |
| Thorah Centennial Park | Brock | Open |
| Whitby Beach | Whitby | Open |
While the sampling of water at public beaches within Durham Region is the responsibility of the Health Department, processes and restrictions related to COVID-19 at area beaches are the responsibility of the local area municipalities. More information is available in the guidance document, COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for Public Beaches posted at durham.ca/COVID-19Guidance.
The Health Department reminds the public not to swim in beach water for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall as bacteria levels can increase due to run-off. Throughout the summer, the Health Department will be conducting bacteriological water tests to determine if these beaches are safe for swimming. The Public Health Ontario Laboratory in Peterborough provides analyses of all water samples submitted for testing. Each week when test results are reviewed, they will be sent to members of the media to assist with public notification of beach postings. Media notifications will be done by Friday of each week.
For more information about the Health Department’s Beach Monitoring program, visit durham.ca/beaches, or call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.