Bay Beach unsafe to swim due to high E. coli levels
June 12, 2026 at 10:14 PM
Bay Beach has been deemed unsafe to swim after a water test on June 11 found high levels of E. coli bacteria.
According to Niagara Region Public Health, Bernard Avenue Beach, Crescent Beach and Waverly Beach all passed their most recent tests on June 9 and remain open.
Bay Beach exceeded the provincial threshold of 400 or more E. coli per 100 millilitres in a single sample or a five-sample average of 200 or more.
According to public health guidelines, swimming in unsafe water can cause ear, eye, nose, throat and skin infections, plus diarrhea if a swimmer swallows it.
Public Health warns against swimming during rain, in cloudy or wavy water, around large numbers of birds, and for two days after a heavy storm.
Niagara Region tests more than 19 public beaches for E. coli every year between the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends.
Cell infrastructure project will see Fort Erie included in 2027
Waverly and Bay beaches test unsafe for swimming
‘My Life as a Reporter’: Fort Erie’s Cal Millar publishes 531-page memoir
About The Author
Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
Stay Informed