Beaches

Why Are Beaches Posted?

Beaches are posted with warning signs because the water may contain high levels of bacteria. These can increase a swimmers risk of developing irritations and infections. The most common problems are minor skin, eye, ear, nose, throat infections, and stomach disorders.

What's Polluting Our Beaches?

• Faulty or over-worked septic systems, agricultural run-off and sewage treatment plant by-passes are the three main contributors
• Elevated levels of E. coli often occur after heavy rainfall because of surface water run-off.
• Fecal material from pets, wildlife and birds can also wash into storm sewers, rivers and lakes.
• Stirring up bacteria that has already settled on the bottom of the lake. 

Warning signs are posted at all public swimming locations when the beaches have a swim advisory.  To find out if a beach has been posted with a swim advisory call the Community Services office at (705) 329-7250.

Testing

Orillia Beaches are tested for Water Quality weekly to ensure that public safety is upheld and that the water quality meets established provincial safety standards. 

A swim advisory posting is a warning to swimmers but it is not a beach closure. During a swim advisory posting, a beach is posted with warning signs when the water contains levels of bacteria that indicate there may be an increased risk of developing minor skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections and stomach disorders. If you choose to swim during a swim advisory posting it may be prudent to avoid ducking your head or swallowing the water.

A beach closure is issued when a catastrophic event occurs or an immediate risk to health is present. Sewage spills or toxic chemical releases are examples. Beach closures are rare.

 The third week of July each is National Drowning Prevention Week. Watch for events posted here!

• All children must have adult supervision at all times
• Bikes, scooters, skateboards or roller blades are not permitted
• No glass
• No food or beverages on the splash pad or immediate area
• Sand and/or dirt is not permitted in the splash pad area
• Climbing on splash pad features is prohibited
• No pets allowed - except service animals
• The splash pad must be vacated upon hearing thunder or seeing lightning
• Children should be properly attired for their age and toileting ability (e.g. swim diapers)
• Do not use the splash pad if you have open sores, a rash, or are experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• No person shall pollute the water, surface or immediate area surrounding the splash pad in any manner
• No boisterous play in and around the splash pad
• Recreational water is not intended for drinking.

• Bird droppings can be a potential health hazard
• Feeding can attract many birds, resulting in excessive bird droppings in the sand, grass and water
• Excessive bird droppings reduces water quality
• Birds fed by hand lose their fear of humans and can become aggressive
• Birds that feed on scraps do not eat a natural diet and can become less healthy or dependent on people
• Birds that receive scraps tend to stay in their winter habitat longer and not migrate south.

Please dispose of food scraps in waste containers provided.

Parks staff drag the beaches in the morning with a tractor on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from late June to Labour Day.  Lifeguards hand rake when on duty (11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Moose Beach and 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Couchiching Beach) and Parks and Lifeguard staff work together to pick up litter daily.