Beginning this week, lifeguards will be on duty at Canatara Beach, seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through to August 25, the City of Sarnia says.
The spaces close to the stationed chairs are monitored by trained lifeguards and is the recommended zone to swim in for safety reasons in case of any emergency.
Four to six lifeguards will supervise the swimming area with additional lifeguards deployed as needed.
Lambton Public Health runs water quality monitoring programs; if a water quality test advises against swimming, notices will be placed at the two main beach entrances, and lifeguards fly a red flag at their post.
During postings [advising against swimming due to water quality], a minimum of three lifeguards will be on duty to supervise the swimming area.
Accessibility at Canatara
Canatara Beach offers rubber “Mobi-Mats” on the sand for access needs, making it possible for wheelchair drivers, anyone using other mobility devices or people pushing strollers to be able to travel across the beach without sand clogging wheels.
“Inclusivity matters and we want everyone to enjoy the beach regardless of any mobility devices they use,” said Steve Henschel, communications manager for the City of Sarnia.
The City also has a beach wheelchair that can be borrowed on site, offering specialized, larger wheels that are able to move across the sand on the beach. To access this service, anyone interested can connect with a lifeguard at one of the guard towers.
Blue Flag Status beach
Spanning almost 1km of Lake Huron’s shoreline, Canatara Beach holds ‘Blue Flag’ status, for its commitment to practicing strict water quality testing and protecting the waterfront environment — one of 27 beaches in Canada to earn the distinction.
Canatara has held the title for a decade now, and a big part of that is allowing for the beach to be a little less landscaped and a little more wild, Henschel explained.
“We don’t rake our beach,” he said. “A manicured beach isn't always a healthy beach and [we want] a natural environment that people can continue to enjoy at the same time.”
A number of beach rules are in place to protect sensitive environmental areas and water quality.
Beach rules include:
- No Glass
- No Smoking
- No BBQs or cooking
- No Pets
- No driving / motorized vehicles
- No diving / jumping from the groynes
- No large umbrellas that obstruct the view of lifeguards
- No littering, please use on-site receptacles
Stay out of dune grass and roped off areas to protect the ecosystem that helps maintain the beach.
Review the Parks By-Law for any and all rules regarding visiting any public Park and/or Beach space within the City of Sarnia.