Birch Cove and Shubie Park beaches closed to swimmers

Bad news for swimmers looking to cool off at a popular Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) swimming area.

HRM said a recreational water quality advisory is in effect at Birch Cove Beach and Shubie Park Beach in Dartmouth until further notice due to high bacteria levels in the water. Residents are advised to avoid swimming at these beaches until the advisory is lifted.

While a recreational water quality advisory is in effect, the use of the beach area is at the user’s risk. Lifeguards will remain on-site during regular hours to advise against swimming.

The city says staff regularly test the water quality at all supervised municipal beaches during July and August. Recent test results indicate that the bacteria levels at these beaches exceed Health Canada guidelines.