Summer in Ottawa is the perfect time to cool off at one of our beautiful supervised beaches. Whether you’re planning a family outing or just need a break from the heat, it’s important to keep safety top of mind when swimming in natural waters. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) works hard to keep residents informed about beach conditions, but there are also a few things you can watch for to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<\/p>\n
Before You Swim<\/strong><\/p>\n Ottawa\u2019s beaches usually meet water quality standards about 85% of the time, which is great news\u2014but unlike swimming pools, open water has more variables to consider. Heavy rainfall in the last 24 to 48 hours can wash contaminants like bird droppings or pet waste into the water. If the water looks cloudy or murky\u2014especially if you can\u2019t see your feet in waist-deep water\u2014it\u2019s safer to wait. Keep an eye out for large groups of birds, dead fish, algae, or floating debris. These can be signs that the water may not be ideal for swimming.<\/p>\n If you have open cuts or wounds, it\u2019s best to avoid swimming until they\u2019ve healed, as bacteria in natural water can lead to infections.<\/p>\n At the Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n When you arrive at the beach, a few simple steps can help keep your swim both safe and fun. Always swim in supervised areas between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., when lifeguards are on duty. Keep children within arm\u2019s reach at all times\u2014even if they\u2019re strong swimmers\u2014and make sure they use properly fitted life jackets if needed. Babies who can\u2019t sit without support should always be held securely.<\/p>\n Try to keep your head above the water and avoid swallowing it. Taking kids to the bathroom before they swim helps reduce the chance of accidents in the water. And as tempting as it might be to relax with a drink, it\u2019s important to avoid alcohol, cannabis, or any other substances when you\u2019re swimming or supervising others.<\/p>\n After Your Swim<\/strong><\/p>\n Once you’re out of the water, rinse off as soon as possible and dry your ears well. Washing your hands before eating or handling food is also a good habit, especially if you\u2019ve been digging or playing in the sand.<\/p>\n How Beaches Are Monitored<\/strong><\/p>\n OPH tests water samples weekly during the summer at Ottawa\u2019s supervised beaches to check for E. coli bacteria. This helps identify the potential presence of other illness-causing organisms. Because test results take about 18 to 24 hours to process, the beach signs you see (open or closed) are based on the previous day\u2019s water quality\u2014not real-time conditions.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to use your best judgment based on what you see when you get to the beach. Weather, water clarity, and beach activity all play a role in safety.<\/p>\n Enjoy Your Summer\u2014Safely<\/strong><\/p>\n By staying alert and following a few simple guidelines, we can all enjoy a healthy and fun beach season in Ottawa. Whether you’re building sandcastles with the kids or just dipping your toes in after work, a little awareness goes a long way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Enjoy a safe and fun summer at Ottawa\u2019s beaches by staying informed about water quality, weather conditions, and simple safety tips to protect you and your 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