Defining "Swimmable"
“Swimmable”?
Our work focuses on the state of the water, and rich biodiversity is a great indicator of healthy waters. We encompass this goal by working towards water that is swimmable, drinkable and fishable. But what does that mean?
What does “Swimmable” mean?
“Swimmable” refers to the health of the water. That’s why we test the water quality using the recreational standard Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality and local health guidelines for specific communities. This information allows recreational water users to make an informed decision about when and where they enter the water.
But swimmable expands beyond the health of the water. Swimmable includes access to suit a wide array of ability levels and activities so that everyone can build a relationship with their local waters. This access can look a number of different ways, for example having floating beach wheelchairs or ramps that make the shoreline easier to access.
Photo: imfotograf / Adobe Stock
It is important to acknowledge that access to clean water is not a universal reality, and there are still many problems to address. Marginalized groups are often forgotten, and they often face additional barriers to accessing safe and clean water. For instance, LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those that are transgender or gender non-conforming, may encounter challenges accessing and using facilities or recreational spaces that provide clean water. These challenges contribute to feelings of exclusion and discomfort and may impact both their physical and mental well-being. To achieve truly swimmable, drinkable, and fishable water for everyone, it is crucial to address these disparities and ensure that marginalized groups, like the LGBTQ+ community, have equal access to clean water resources.
Photo: Nicole Coenen
When a community can connect with their local waters, they become more aware of the threats to the water. Ultimately, that initial connection is the most powerful tool in building a movement of water stewards that work together in creating swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for everyone.
How is Swim Drink Fish working
towards swimmable water?
Gord Edgar Downie Pier - Restoration Project
On July 26, 2018, Swim Drink Fish unveiled the Gord Edgar Downie Pier at Breakwater Park in Kingston. This was significant, as it is Canada’s first deep-water urban swimming pier. For decades, the city battled water pollution and now the Gord Edgar Downie Pier has helped the city of Kingston reclaim its waterfront. It is the culmination of over 20 years of work by the Swim Drink Fish movement. These renovations include a new park promenade, steps and seating along the waterfront, landscaping and tree planting, significant accessibility improvements, and a pedestrian bridge for the pier.
The Gord Edgar Downie Pier has become an example for cities across Canada on how development can be a catalyst for reconnection and protection.
Photo: Swim Drink Fish
Blue Flag Beaches:
Swim Drink Fish proudly operates Blue Flag Canada on behalf of Blue Flag International and the Foundation for Environmental Education. Swim Drink Fish took over the program from Environmental Defence in early 2020. When you visit a beach or marina with a Blue Flag, you know that it is being managed sustainably, that it is accessible and inclusive for all, that it has high-quality services and safety procedures, and that it actively monitors water quality.
Blue Flags are only awarded to beaches and marinas for one season. This means that the beach or marina is continually living up to these high standards.
Blue Flag beaches meet 33 criteria across four categories:
Environmental Education and Information
Water Quality
Environmental Management
Safety and Services
Blue Flag marinas meet 38 criteria across six categories:
Environmental Education and Information
Environmental Management
Safety and Services
Water Quality
Corporate Social Responsibility
Social and Community Involvement
Each year, we consult industry experts to review Blue Flag applications and award Blue Flags each spring before swimming season starts.
Swim Guide:
Launched in 2011, Swim Guide is a free app that collects the most up to date water health data for over 10,000 beaches in 12 countries. We make this information public and transparent to help the public stay informed about the water quality in their community and discover swimmable waters in their area.
Photo: Swim Drink Fish