Public Beaches

The beach is a great place for people to relax and enjoy some outdoor activities. However, swimming in these natural bodies of water may not be risk-free. Water conditions and quality can change quickly due to a number of environmental factors, and contaminated waters can increase the swimmer’s risk of infection, illness or injury.

Beach owners/operators are responsible for monitoring beaches throughout the swimming season to ensure they meet the Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines.

It is recommended that beach owners have a beach safety plan in place to identify monitoring parameters, and to respond quickly to changes in water quality and conditions, including posting advisories.

Learn more about creating a beach safety plan

2023 beach program update webinar

Monitoring beach water may include sampling for the presence of E. coli. The bacteria E. coli is commonly found in feces of warm blooded animals (including humans), and may indicate the presence of pathogens that can cause illness. The sample is considered unsatisfactory if the previous 5 samples contain an average ≥ 200 E. coli/100 mL or if a single sample contains over 400 E. coli/100 mL.

View beach water samples

Note: If a beach is not listed in the search that means the beach is not routinely sampled.

Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, commonly grow in shallow, slow-moving/still waters, and are a natural part of the aquatic environment. Excessive growth can cause cyanobacteria blooms to form and may cause the water to look or smell bad. Cyanobacteria can also produce toxins called microcystins, which can be poisonous to people, pets or livestock. Beach users can be exposed to these toxins by accidentally drinking water that contains a bloom, or by getting it on their skin during recreational activities. Always use caution when there is a bloom.

Learn more about cyanobacteria blooms

Local governments may post algae bloom advisories and, in partnership with Interior Health, may test algae blooms for the presence of toxins. Algae blooms are variable and conditions can change. Testing represents only where the sample was taken, at that particular time. There may be toxins present in other locations of the bloom that was not tested, or toxins may be produced at a later time.

If you see what you suspect to be a cyanobacteria bloom, please submit your photos and observations to BC Algae Watch.

Algae Blooms: What You Need to Know

Swimming

If there's a bloom always use caution. It's best to avoid any direct contact with the bloom if you see one. If you make contact, rinse your body with clean water. Recreational activities such as swimming are discouraged in areas where the bloom is present.

Drinking & fishing

Private drinking water is not monitored or regulated by Interior Health. Private water users should be cautious and ensure that strategies and treatments are employed at all times to address all potential hazards in the water supply, including algal toxins.

Consider using an alternate source for drinking water for you, your family, and any pets or livestock if you suspect your water source is impacted. Boiling the water will NOT remove any toxins. Contact your water supplier and review our information on drinking water.

Eating fish caught from affected waters is an unknown health risk. If you choose to eat the fish, remove all fat, skin, and organs before cooking, because toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Learn how to submit cyanobacteria bloom photos and observations

Exposure to blue-green algae toxins can result in symptoms that are visible shortly after exposure including dizziness, cramps, diarrhea, skin rash, and mouth blisters. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms associated with an algae exposure, please see your health-care provider.  

Beach advisories are issued when there is a potential risk to the health and safety of recreational water users. Beach advisories are posted on the beach by the beach owner.

Beach closures are issued when a serious risk to the health and safety of recreational water users exists. STAY OUT of the water and DO NOT use as drinking water. Users are advised to avoid any contact with the beach and recreational water (i.e. boating, paddling, playing in wet sand).

View beach advisories

For the latest information on advisories and closures contact the beach owner. 

Note: Beach advisories are based on the most up to date information, but water quality is always changing, and sample results do not reflect real-time water quality.

Drinking water information

Drinking water for everyone (Water advisories and supplier contact information)

Drinking water sample results

Beach advisories

Creating a beach safety plan

Cyanobacteria blooms (blue-green algae) (HealthLink BC)

Province of BC Algae Watch