**** Halifax Media Release

Birch Cove Beach Reopens for Swimming

The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that Birch Cove Beach at Lake Banook in Dartmouth has reopened for swimming.

Birch Cove Beach is a supervised beach. Municipal staff regularly test the water quality at all supervised and four unsupervised municipal beaches during the summer months.

Previous test results showed high bacteria levels in the water, but follow-up tests now show the water is once again safe, as per Health Canada guidelines.

For more information on municipal beaches and outdoor pools across the Halifax region, please visit our beaches page.

Black Rock Beach Closed to Swimming

 The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that Black Rock Beach at Point Pleasant Park is closed to swimming until further notice due to high bacteria levels in the water.

Black Rock Beach is an unsupervised beach. Municipal staff regularly test the water quality at all supervised and four unsupervised municipal beaches during the summer months. Recent test results indicate bacteria levels at this beach exceed Health Canada swimming guidelines.

High bacteria levels can be caused by a number of factors, including dogs, birds, wildlife, and high temperatures. Staff will continue testing the water until bacteria levels return to safe levels. The municipality will advise residents when the beach reopens.

For more information on municipal beaches and outdoor pools across the Halifax region, please visit​ our beaches page.