Beaches
Beach Information
The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) regulates public swimming beaches. To find out if a particular beach is open, contact the beach directly. 
- Beaver Island State Park: 716-773-3271
- Bennett Beach: 716-947-5660
- Evangola State Park: 716-549-1802 (Monday – Friday), 716-549-1050 (Saturday-Sunday)
- Evans Town Park Beach: 716-549-0970
- Green Lake Beach: 716-662-6450
- Hamburg Beach: 716-646-5145 (M-F); 716-648-1817 (Sat, Sun & Holidays)
- Lake Erie Beach: 716-549-0970
- Woodlawn Beach State Park: 716-826-1930
Beach Water Quality
To estimate water quality, Hamburg Beach, Bennett Beach and the Town of Evans beaches use the E. coli bacteria count from the water sample taken the day before. Woodlawn State Park Beach uses its water quality model to determine if the water is safe for swimming.
Public Pools & Pools in Spas
The ECDOH regulates pools located in:
- Municipal Housing Complexes
- Hotels, Motels
- Schools
- Campgrounds and Children's Camps
- Membership Clubs
Swimming Pool Application
Complete the Swimming Pool Application to submit plans for a new public swimming pool or modifications to an existing public swimming pool
Swimming Pool “Rentals”
New York State (NYS) Sanitary Code Subpart 6-1 requires a rigorous engineering review and permit for public swimming pools, and periodic inspections by the local health department. Public swimming pool operators are required to comply with certain engineering, maintenance, hygiene, and supervision standards.
Generally, a backyard swimming pool or indoor pool at a private residence would not meet the standards for public swimming pools. Individuals who rent their private swimming pool to the public without a permit are violating state sanitary code and putting themselves at risk of penalties/fines. NYS allows penalties of up to $2,000 per violation. Further, they may be putting swimmers at risk of injury or waterborne illness.
Complaints about swimming pools operating without a permit can be sent to the Erie County Department of Health Division of Environmental Health at environmental.health@erie.gov or by calling (716) 961-6800.
Stay Cool in Erie County
When the heat rises, there are many places to go to cool down! Find a list of places to stay cool in Erie County at erie.gov/staycool.
See our extreme heat page for more information and resources to stay safe in the heat.
Additional Information & Resources
- Water Safety Booklet from the ECDOH
- US Geological Survey Interactive Map
- Swimming Related Illnesses
- Healthy Swimming: Stop Germs from Making You Sick
- NY State Beach Water Quality Map
- Swimming Pools/Bathing Beaches/Recreational Aquatic Spray Grounds
- Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act)
- Video: Shallow Water Blackout
- American Red Cross Water Safety
- When Being Careful is Not Enough - Taking Steps to Prevent Drowning
- PoolSafety.gov
- Swimming - True/False Questions
- Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Safety Guide
- World Waterpark Association
- Sun Safety
Contact
Environmental Health Division
503 Kensington Ave
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: (716) 961-6800
Fax: (716) 961-6880
For Emergencies after regular business hours: 716-961-7898