Starting tomorrow (June 28, 2024) lifeguards will be on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily at Centennial Beach (65 Lakeshore Drive), and Johnson’s Beach (2 Johnson Street). Signs will be posted at the beaches behind each lifeguard chair to communicate when lifeguards are on duty.
Minet’s Point Beach (10 Lismer Boulevard) and Tyndale Beach (45 Tyndale Road) do not have lifeguards. Parents and guardians are always reminded that children require direct supervision at the beach. Always practice water safety.
Drop-off markers and swim buoy lines marking the designated swimming areas recommended for swimmers were installed in early June. The accessibility mat will be anchored on the sand at Centennial Beach between lifeguard chairs #4 and #5. This mat permits wheelchairs and strollers the ability to wheel closer to the water's edge and is accessible from the boardwalk.
The City offers the personal flotation device (PFD) loaner program at both Centennial Beach and Johnson’s Beach. Beach visitors can borrow a PFD from the lifeguard office at no charge with a security deposit whenever lifeguards are on duty. This PFD loaner program is an effective way to increase usage and promotes public education surrounding the value of properly fitted PFD’s. Approximately 90 per cent of drowning victims are found not wearing a lifejacket or PFD.
To ensure the beaches are safe for swimming, weekly water samples are analyzed by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit using water taken from Centennial Beach, Johnson’s Beach, Minet’s Point Beach, Tyndale Park, and Wilkin’s Park. Warnings will be posted at designated swimming beaches when bacterial levels exceed provincial guidelines.
For more information about Barrie’s beaches, visit barrie.ca/beaches.
