Waverly Beach the only Fort Erie swimming hole considered unsafe

Only one beach in Greater Fort Erie is currently off limits.

Niagara Region Public Health says Waverly Beach, a spot that has consistently been closed for many years, remains unsafe to swim in due to algae.

Beaches are monitored for bacteria levels, algae growth, and other safety concerns such as debris and spills. When safety concerns, particularly high levels of bacteria, are detected, the beach is posted as unsafe for swimming.

Despite the closure of Waverly Beach (271 Helena St.), Fort Erie’s other three beaches–Bay Beach, Bernard Avenue Beach, and Crescent Beach–remain open for swimming.

Entering water with high bacteria levels can lead to eye, ear, nose, throat, and skin infections, as well as stomach problems if the water is swallowed.

Bacteria levels can increase due to several factors, including a large number of swimmers or birds, wind and high waves, recent heavy rainfall, and cloudy water where visibility is reduced.

Casablanca Beach and Fifty Point Conservation Area, both in Grimsby, have also been deemed unsafe for swimming.

E. coli levels are affecting those closures, along with Sunset Beach in St. Catharines, according to the Region’s website Monday evening.

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