Going to the beach? Information to help you and your family stay safe

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding residents to be aware of the potential risks associated with swimming at the City of Ottawa’s supervised beaches this upcoming season. OPH wants to ensure residents have the information they need to make informed decisions before visiting the beach, during their time in the water, and after swimming. By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy a safe and fun swimming experience. We understand that many people rely on the beaches as their primary way to cool off on hot days. Knowing the factors that increase your risks can help you make an informed decision for you and for your family. Ottawa’s supervised beaches have historically had good water quality, with our beaches meeting the water quality standard nearly 85 per cent of the time. Unlike pools, open water has additional risks to consider, such as changing weather conditions, hidden hazards like rocks or sudden drop offs, and bacteria from wildlife or human activity.  Know your risks before swimming

• Severe weather: Lightning is very dangerous, but high winds and heavy rain can also be hazardous and can occur suddenly during a thunderstorm.
• Heavy rain: Swimming is riskier if it’s raining heavily or if there has been heavy rainfall (20 mm or more) in the last 24 to 48 hours. Rain can wash contaminants like bird or dog poop into the water, making it less safe.
• Beach conditions: Swimming is riskier if there are visible problems around the beach like many birds, dead fish, algae, or debris in the water.
• Cloudy water: High winds and waves can make the water cloudy, hiding hazards and washing contaminants into the water. If you can't see your feet in waist-deep water, it's riskier to swim.
• Cuts or open wounds: Bacteria in the water can lead to infection when swimming with open cuts or open wounds. 

Protect your health during and after swimming

• Risks: Swimming in natural waters like rivers can cause injury or illness from microorganisms, leading to ear, eye, stomach, or urinary infections.
• Precautions to take when entering the water:
  • Take children to the toilet before swimming to reduce the risk of children peeing or pooping in the water.
  • Keep your head above and out of the water. Avoid swallowing water or putting it in your mouth.
• Precautions to take after exiting the water:
  • Wash hands with soap and treated water or use alcohol-based hand rub after swimming or playing in the sand, and before eating or preparing food.
  • Shower as soon as possible after swimming and dry your ears thoroughly with a towel.

Stay safe around water

• Supervised areas: Swim in areas with lifeguards on duty from noon to 7 pm during the supervised swimming season.
• Close supervision: Always keep your child within arm's reach when they are in or around water, including pools, bathtubs, and other water sources. Never leave them alone, even for a moment.
• Life jackets: Ensure children and weaker swimmers wear a properly fitted life jacket or personal flotation device in and around water.
• Babies: Hold your baby if they cannot sit without support.
• Stay sober: Do not use alcohol, cannabis, or drugs when swimming or supervising others in the water.
• Swimming lessons: Swimming lessons are beneficial but do not fully protect your child from drowning.
• Emergency preparedness: Know what to do in an emergency, including how to perform CPR and calling 9-1-1.

What is beach monitoring? During the summer months, OPH monitors the water quality at the City of Ottawa's supervised beaches in accordance with the Ontario Public Health Standards. Beginning this season, water samples will be collected weekly to test for the presence of E. coli bacteria, as required by the standards and to align with most public health units in Ontario and the National Capital Commission. Elevated levels of E. coli indicate the potential presence of other disease-causing organisms, which can result in skin, ear, throat or gastrointestinal illnesses. OPH’s historical sampling has built up a great understanding of how our beaches react to local conditions, including weather events. However, water sample results only provide a snapshot of water quality at the moment they are collected and the water quality can change rapidly due to environmental factors like rain, wind, and wildlife. Ottawa’s supervised beaches are all located on rivers, where the water is constantly moving. Since water samples require 18 to 24 hours for laboratory processing, the accuracy of real-time risk for beachgoers is limited. The water quality data available at the time of sampling reflects the previous day's conditions, not the current state of the water.   These factors highlight the importance of basing your decision to swim on the real-time conditions of the beach you’re visiting. Following the simple steps outlined above can easily and effectively lower your risks and protect your health when swimming at a public beach. To learn more about these steps, including how to stay safe during or after swimming and for more on beach water testing, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Beaches. Residents can also connect with OPH on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube.