Beaches, outdoor pools, and splash pads

Splash pads

Splashpads have reopened as of June 29, 2020. 

Municipal beaches

All beaches have reopened. Lifeguards will be in place at all beaches from July 6 to August 31, with the exception of the Malay Falls beach which will be unsupervised this year. 

Outdoor pools

Due to the time required to recruit and train lifeguards, the maintenance required to open pools and the restrictions of social distancing which drastically reduces the number of swimmers allowed in the pool at once, the Halifax Common, Bedford and Cole Harbour outdoor pools will not be opening for the 2020 season.

Supervision

Daily supervision throughout the summer months (July 6 - August 31. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) will take place at most municipal beaches.  All municipal lifeguards hold National Lifeguard Service certification and are equipped with a variety of emergency supplies to help with water rescues.

Recreation thanks the public for enjoying these facilities responsibly and encourages swimmers to exercise caution during the off-season or in non-supervised areas. 

Unsupervised Beaches

The unsupervised beaches are Malay Falls, Dingle beach, Blackrock Beach, Kinsmen beach and Government Wharf.

Water testing

NOTICE: Due to the presence of a possible blue-green algae bloom, a risk advisory is in effect for Lake Micmac and Lake Banook in Dartmouth. Residents are encouraged to avoid swimming and prevent pets from entering the lakes, including at Birch Cove Beach, which will remain closed until further notice. The off-leash dog area of Shubie Park at Lake Micmac will also remain closed to swimming until further notice.

Municipal staff regularly test the water quality for bacteria levels at all supervised municipal beaches, as well as one unsupervised beach, during the summer months—this year from July 6 to Aug. 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.

Malay Falls will continue to be tested, even though unsupervised.

The four other unsupervised beaches (Dingle beach, Blackrock beach, Kinsmen beach and Government Wharf) will not have water quality testing this summer.

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. 
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: Under construction, no access to the change rooms, but there will be portable bathrooms on site. 

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