Weather forecasts are calling for  hot and humid weather this summer. If you’re looking for a great spot to enjoy a swim and cool down, head to one of Toronto’s many beaches. Eight of Toronto’s 11 beaches (Bluffer’s Beach, Kew-Balmy Beach, Ward’s Island, Hanlan’s Point Beach, Woodbine Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Cherry Beach and Centre Island Beach) carry the internationally recognized designation of Blue Flag for high standards in water quality, cleanliness, safety and services. The entry point for these Blue Flag beaches would be The Beach neighbourhood in the east-end and the Toronto Island neighbourhood accessed by ferry boat from Toronto's Harbourfront neighbourhood along the downtown waterfront. 

Toronto’s beaches are:
• Bluffer’s Beach (Blue Flag)
• Centre Island Beach (Blue Flag)
• Cherry Beach (Blue Flag)
• Gibraltar Point Beach (Blue Flag)
• Hanlan’s Point Beach (Blue Flag)
• Kew-Balmy Beach (Blue Flag)
• Marie Curtis Park Beach
• Rouge Beach
• Sunnyside Beach
• Ward’s Island Beach (Blue Flag)
• Woodbine Beaches (Blue Flag)

From June to the end of August, the City of Toronto takes samples each day from the 11 supervised beaches across the city. Water samples are tested for E. Coli levels and must not exceed the provincial guidelines of 100 E. Coli per 100 ml of water. When water tests show high amounts of E. Coli bacteria, Toronto Public Health posts signs warning against swimming. Testing the samples usually takes 24 hours.

When enjoying a day at the beach, don’t swim or dive in unknown waters. Always check for rocks and an undertow, and swim with a buddy. City lifeguards are a great resource for information about beach safety and water quality.

For more information, call the City’s Beach Water Quality Hotline at 416-392-7161