With temperatures set to soar, there’s good news for beachgoers: all 13 public beaches in Durham Region have been declared safe for swimming just as the first heat wave of the season rolls in.
The announcement comes from the Durham Region Health Department, which monitors water quality weekly throughout the summer by testing for high levels of bacteria. All tested beaches passed the safety checks this week.
The following beaches are open and safe:
- Pickering: Frenchman’s Bay East & West
- Ajax: Paradise Beach
- Beaverton (Lake Simcoe): South, North, and Thorah Centennial
- Whitby: Whitby Beach & Iroquois Beach
- Oshawa: Lakeview East & West
- Clarington: Bowmanville East & West, and Newcastle Central
This comes just in time as temperatures are expected to peak at 33°C on Sunday, climbing even higher to 34°C on Monday and Tuesday, according to Environment Canada. The multi-day heat event will be in effect from Sunday through Wednesday, June 25.
Officials urge residents to:
- Stay hydrated
- Seek shade or air-conditioned spaces
- Watch for signs of heat-related illness
- Use sunscreen if spending time outdoors
With perfect beach conditions and rising temperatures, this weekend is shaping up to be the perfect time to enjoy Durham’s waterfronts safely.