These days however that reputation is becoming increasingly old and while it may have been accurate two decades ago Lake Ontario is now one of the cleanest lakes in the world.They're even recognized by the international Blue Flag program, an eco-label which is awarded to beaches which meet very strict environmental and safety standards, including daily bacteria testing.
Canada's national standard is 200 parts bacteria per 100 mL. The American standard is 235. To qualify in Ontario its 100... which means Ontario beaches are twice as safe as any other beach in Canada or the USA when it comes to bacteria.
To get the blue flag status there also has to be lifeguards on duty and a plethora of safety equipment, first aid equipment and safe drinking fountains. There also has to be no unauthorized camping or driving, no dumping and strict control of dog feces. The beach is required to have environmental education activities, display maps and a beach code of conduct.
In recent years Toronto has been dramatically increasing their safety standards. In 2005 only four of Toronto's 11 beaches received Blue Flags. This year it is up to seven out of eleven.
Ward’s Island Beach
Hanlan’s Point Beach
Kew Balmy Beach
Gibraltar Point Beach
Centre Island Beach
Cherry Beach
Woodbine Beaches
Marie Curtis Park East Beach, Sunnyside, Scarborough’s Bluffer’s Beach Park and Rouge failed to meet the standards. Next year city officials hope Bluffer’s Beach Park will become a Blue Flag.
To score a Blue Flag beaches must be deemed safe for swimming 80% of the time. Toronto Blue Flag beaches are safe 90% of the time and the 10% its considered unsafe its because of weather conditions, ie. a thunderstorm.
Toronto beaches typically have imported sand, very few stones and depending on the time of the week you visit NO CROWDS. An excellent place to work on your tan, build a sand castle or enjoy a swim.
See Also:
The Bikini
Gothic Bikinis and Swimwear
Topless Beaches
Jellyfish Swarms feeding on Polluted Waters
I am proud to live in The Beach, and you're right - our beaches are terrific, and only a 5 minute walk away for most people living here.
ReplyDeleteYou might be interested in a little video I shot while interviewing one of the head lifeguards at Leuty Lifeguard Station. He vouches that Woodbine Beach and Kew-Balmy are some of the cleanest on Lake Ontario: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfQyA3auHsY