Beaches, outdoor pools, and splash pads

Splashpads, Beaches, and Water Testing

Lifeguard supervision and water quality testing takes place between July 1 and August 31 each year. 

Extended Beach Season

The following beaches will have supervision dates extended in 2023 and will be open September 2,3 & 4.

• Chocolate Lake, Kearney Lake and Penhorn lake

Unsupervised Beaches

The following beaches will be unsupervised this summer: 

Swimming Lessons

• Registration for swimming lessons (Sessions 1 & 2) at municipal beach locations begins on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
• To register for swimming lessons visit our website or call our registration line at 902. 490.6666.  All lessons must be pre-booked
• The summer 2023 Aquatics PDF has been removed from the website due to inconsistencies in the course information. For the most current details, log into MyRec and filter by beach location and then by keyword level. For example, Chocolate Lake, keyword Swimmer 1. Check out our Quick Reference Guide for help searching this way

Water Testing

Municipal staff regularly test the water quality for bacteria levels at all supervised municipal beaches, as well as two unsupervised beaches, during the summer months (July 1 - August 31). Know your swimming limitations if you choose to swim in unsupervised bodies of water. Always swim with a buddy in supervised areas and adults should never leave children unsupervised in the water.

The municipality monitors our supervised beaches for fecal bacteria, blue-green algae, and other waterborne contaminants between July 1 – August 31 annually. If a suspected blue-green bloom is observed at one of our supervised beaches, the beach is closed immediately and water samples are analyzed for toxins. The beach is not reopened until analysis confirms toxin levels are within safe limits for recreation. When a bloom is reported to the province in a lake where the municipality supervises a beach, municipal staff conduct follow-up monitoring to ensure water quality is safe for recreational use.

Click here for information on Algae Blooms

Beach Washroom or Change Room Facilities

Washrooms and change rooms are available at the following beaches at the hours listed. These facilities open on the long weekend in May and close at the end of September each year. Portable bathrooms are available at all other supervised beaches.

• Albro Lake Beach: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Chocolate Lake Beach: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Birch Cove Beach: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Penhorn Beach: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

For information on beach closures, call our summer aquatics line at 902.490.5458.

Splash Pads

All splash pads will open June 17, 2023 (except for the Halifax Commons, DATE TBA), see below for specific times when they can be used.

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