The Healthy Beaches program has restarted this week in Saskatchewan, with water sampling underway at select local beaches. Results are expected later this week, allowing residents to check water quality before heading out.
The program monitors water quality at recreational beaches across the province, providing accurate information to help protect beachgoers and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.
“Saskatchewan beaches are an important part of summer recreation for residents,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “The Healthy Beaches program provides valuable safety information, and we encourage residents and visitors to check the status of the beach they are visiting before they head out.”
Water samples are collected and analyzed from June through August at public beaches including Regina Beach, Echo Lake and Pike Lake.
Sampling determines whether water quality meets the Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines. Testing began on June 23, with results expected later this week on the Healthy Beaches public map.
If water quality falls below safety standards, advisories will be issued.
Beaches are regularly monitored to protect swimmers from illnesses caused by elevated bacteria levels, such as ear, throat and gastrointestinal infections. Water samples are tested weekly or bi-weekly from late June to early September, focusing on E. coli bacteria and blue-green algae toxins.
Public beaches are selected based on factors such as past water quality, user traffic, and environmental conditions. Sampling results are posted online, but conditions can change quickly due to weather or other factors.
If unsafe levels of bacteria or toxins are detected, swimming advisories or cautions are posted at the beach and online. Visitors should avoid swimming in affected areas and keep pets away from discolored water, as toxins can also harm animals.
Advisories apply only to specific monitored beach areas and may not affect other parts of a lake or water body. Visitors are encouraged to follow posted signs and check for updates regularly.
“The Healthy Beaches program is essential to public health,” Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, said. “This will help people make informed decisions about their in-water activities when visiting provincial lakes.”
The public is encouraged to visit the Healthy Beaches webpage before making summer plans and to follow any advisories. Residents are also asked to report any concerns about water quality to their local public health inspection office.
It is essential to follow notifications posted at beaches, as closures can occur evenings or weekends and may not be immediately reflected online.
For more information on the Healthy Beaches program, including water quality reports and safety tips, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/healthy-beaches.