In Durham Region, it would seem, you can lead the residents to water but you can’t necessarily make them swim in it.

Such is the case at a number of beaches along the Lake Ontario shore in Durham Region that have been posted as safe for swimming, but which don’t attract many residents into the lake. And as the summer wears on and bacteria levels climb due to warmer water, rainfall runoff and other factors, fewer beaches are expected to remain open for swimmers.

The region is home to a host of wonderfully scenic and welcoming waterfront parks and green areas that draw residents in great numbers. But past years of poor water stewardship, a stubborn reputation for high pollution levels in Lake Ontario and the lure of cleaner water in cottage country led to local beaches being vastly under-used. Better oversight and attention in recent years, collective efforts to reduce pollution and mitigate the effects of harmful runoff have given some cause for optimism, reflected in more days in which beaches are ‘open’ for swimming.

For their part, Durham health officials dutifully and carefully test the water at local beaches on a weekly basis, collecting samples and measuring E. coli bacteria counts to determine if individual beaches are safe for swimming.

Residents in Durham can enjoy the very best that summer has to offer right here at home. Check the weekly statistics posted by Durham Region officials to see if your local beach is posted as safe for swimming and make an effort to experience true waterfront fun and frolic. This paper also posts beach results every Friday and you can check out the map listing all local beaches at durhamregion.com

And take the opportunity to engage your neighbours and friends in making Durham’s beaches a more popular local destination. Greater awareness and participation among residents will encourage greater oversight and promote improved stewardship of Durham Region’s waterfront areas.

From Pickering to Clarington, Durham residents have an impressive choice of community waterfront areas to visit and experience. Pack a lunch, take a chair, invite friends and family and test drive one of the local beaches. You’ll likely be surprised at the pristine beauty of the greenspaces, the peaceful splendour of the shade trees and the hot sand of the local beach.

It’s not often that one can make this suggestion and feel good about it: Go jump in the lake!

via durhamregion.com | Make the most of Durham Region beaches while you can.