Beach Advisories – Simcoe County, Muskoka, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes
Is the water safe?
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Staff, July 3, 2026
Simcoe County
Midland
- Gawley Park Beach – Advisory
- Pete Petterson Park Beach – Advisory
Muskoka
Muskoka Lakes
- Hanna Park Beach – Advisory
During a swimming Advisory, the beach is posted with warning signs that the most recent water samples showed bacteria in numbers that may increase your risk of developing minor skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections or stomach illness. If you choose to swim during a swimming advisory, avoid dunking your head or swallowing the water.
A beach is Closed when a significant risk to health and safety has been identified or when a potential adverse event occurs, such as a sewage or chemical spill. Beach closures are rare.
source: Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Haliburton
- all beaches are considered to be at low risk
Kawartha Lakes
- Head Lake Beach – Laxton – Moderate Risk
Moderate Risk – Based on the latest test results, there are high counts of bacteria in the water. Swimming is not recommended, as it may increase your risk of developing minor skin, eye, ear, nose or throat infections or stomach illness. If you choose to swim during this advisory, avoid dunking your head or swallowing the water.
High Risk – Indicates that a beach is closed due to elevated levels of bacteria, rendering it unsafe for swimming.
source: Lakelands Public Health