Rosemary--it just depends on when they open up that channel, to let water out of it. They only do it every so often. They do post a notice in the Herald when they do it.

Regardless of that situation, I personally wouldn't want to swim there regardless, because of all the cruise ship discharge, as well as all the other small boats that are always in that area. But one could certainly hang out on the beach there, if you're in to people watching.

For the original poster, are you looking to shop and then hang out on the beach, or just hang out on the beach? Most of us here do not go to P'burg to the beach, as most of us think there are lots of other better beaches on the island. Best wishes in your quest.