Beaches

Our beach offers many facilities and services for residents and visitors alike, including:

• Picnic areas and tables (open)
• Food trucks
• Washrooms 
• Two playgrounds (open)
• Splash pad (Open 8am-8pm everyday)
• Foot bath area 

The Town of Cobourg would like to remind all residents and guests that there are no Lifeguards on duty at Victoria Beach this summer and as always, caution all guests to the waterfront to follow safe water practices.

The Ontario Life Saving Society Water Smart Campaign encourages the following practices:

• Stay within arms' reach of children under five
• Stay On Guard! Supervision of children and non-swimmers is key
• Always swim with a buddy
• Alcohol and water don't mix. Don't drink and swim. Don't drink and drive your boat
• Always wear a lifejacket when you are in a boat
• Take swimming lessons

Lifeguard Towers at the Beach
Each of the towers has public safety signage posted as well as numbers to call if emergency services support is required. The lifeguard towers are built into the Town of Cobourg’s emergency response system and each of the towers are registered for their geographic location. Having the towers in place provides an exact location for emergency response teams to locate an individual if they call from one of those four locations.

As a reminder, the Parks Use Bylaw does not permit individuals on the Victoria Park Beach to: 

• Consume alcohol
• Bring dogs on the beach
• Utilize the beach between the hours of 11 p.m. until 7 a.m.
• Light bonfires
• Use a BBQ or cooking device
• Operate loud speakers or sound amplifying equipment
• Install or erect a permanent enclosed tent or structure 

The Town of Cobourg’s Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing Officers have the authority to enforce all Town bylaws. The Town and Cobourg Police Service respectfully request cooperation from all those persons enjoying the Victoria Park Beach during the remaining summer season. 

Reporting Non-Compliance at the Victoria Park Beach
Residents and visitors are urged to continue reporting compliance and enforcement issues by calling the Town of Cobourg at 905-372-4301, the Cobourg Police Service at 905-372-6821 or by emailing bylawenforcement@cobourg.ca.  

There are four (5) drop off locations adjacent to Victoria Park and Victoria Beach. Drop off locations are located at:

• King Street at Church Street
• Bottom of McGill Street
• Church Street at Perry Street
• Paul Currelly Way (North and South)

Drop off locations marked with a * in the map below. For more parking information, visit www.Cobourg.ca/Parking.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit annually monitors the recreational water quality at public beaches each year for levels of E. coli bacteria and Blue-Green Algae (cyanobacteria) from the beginning of June until the end of August. If a beach is deemed unsafe to swim, it’s due to high counts of bacteria in the water. 

Beach Water Quality Test Results

High numbers of E. coli in the water at public beaches indicates contamination with feces and the potential presence of other harmful microorganisms in the water. The provincial standard is 200 E. coli bacteria cells per 100 ml of water or 200 colony forming units (cfu) per 100 ml.  

E. coli concentrations at or above the standard could cause an increased risk of infection. Swimming in these waters could cause infections in ears, eyes, nose, throat and skin as well as cause diarrhea if the water is ingested.

Beach Safety 101: Ensure the water is safe before swimming! 

• From the beginning of June until the end of August, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit does regular testing of beaches in Northumberland County to ensure the water is safe to swim in.
• High counts of bacteria in the water can cause unsafe swimming conditions.
• Test results are posted using a three-colour system: Green = open (safe for swimming), Yellow = caution (swimming not recommended), Red = closed (do not swim).

For local beach water test results by community, visit: Local Beaches – Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (hkpr.on.ca)

Beach sampling results cannot be guaranteed accurate as conditions can change quickly depending on the weather. You should not swim at the beach during and after storms, floods or heavy rainfall. Cloudy water may indicate high levels of bacteria.

For more information on ways to stay safe at the beach, visit the Canadian Red Cross’s website. 

High Risk - Red (Closed)
Based on latest test results, there are very high counts of bacteria in the water. Do not swim - not open for public use.
Level = 1000+ cfu

Medium Risk - Yellow (Advisory Warning)
Based on 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.
Level = 200-999 cfu

Low Risk - Green
Based on latest test results, there are low counts of bacteria in the water. Swimming is allowed.
Level = 0-199 cfu

Additional Information
Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
1-866-888-4577, ext. 5006
www.hkpr.on.ca