As the summer season kicks off, so does the opening of beaches, outdoor pools, and splash pads across HRM. We are lucky to have so many great spots so close for us to enjoy in our community and neighbouring ones as well.
The Cole Harbour Outdoor Pool located at 609 Colby Drive opens July 1st and features a diving board, 5-lane swimming pool, slide, and splashpad.
When heading out to the pool it’s important to remember to follow swimming ratios.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult in the water within arm’s reach if under the age of eight.
- Family swims must have adults in the water regardless of age
- 1 adult for every 3 children under 6 years old
- 1 adult for every 6 children aged 6–7 years old
Pools in HRM offer many levels of swimming lessons and activities, for all ages and abilities. Browse the various programs on halifax.ca/myREC which include complete descriptions, levels, and availability.
As part of the Halifax Park and Recreation programs, lifeguard supervision and water quality testing are done at all municipal beaches starting July 1st and end for the summer season August 31st each year. Chocolate Lake, Kearney Lake, and Penhorn Lake will have supervision dates extended this year and will be open September 2, 3 & 4.
You can find the full list of supervised beach locations, outdoor pools, and splashpads here.
The municipality monitors supervised beaches for fecal bacteria, blue-green algae, and other waterborne contaminants. 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. You can find a list of potential blue-green algae blooms online here.
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. You can read more on blue-green algae and ways to identify it here.