By JACK SKINNER
The City of Toronto has announced that lifeguards will be back on patrol at a number of public beaches starting on Saturday, June 3.
In a news release this week, the city said the “annual summer supervised beach program will designate swim areas and make the beaches a safe place for people to enjoy”.
Locally, the beaches that will have lifeguards are Woodbine, Kew-Balmy and Cherry/Clarke.
The city said the designated swim areas on the beaches are marked between two red-over-yellow flags, on the lifeguard stands saying “Lifeguards on Duty” nearby.
Other city beaches that will have lifeguards this summer are Bluffers Park in Scarborough, Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, Marie Curtis Park, Ward’s Island, and Sunnyside beach. Lifeguards will be on duty at these beaches from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. each day until Sept. 4.
Starting on Saturday, July 1, lifeguards will be on duty for the same hours at Gibralter Point until Sept. 4.
“Having lifeguards on city beaches means a safer and more relaxing time for people and families,” said Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie in the city’s news release.
“While lifeguards provide confidence that there is someone watching out, the city’s important annual beach and water safety campaign will help keep everyone safe while swimming. We want residents and visitors to enjoy the lakeside atmosphere and to safely experience Toronto’s vast sandy and cobble beaches. Thank you to city staff for ensuring we can safely open Toronto’s incredible swimming beaches so that residents and visitors can cool down and enjoy the outdoors on hot summer days.”
Lifeguards working on the beaches will be recognizable by their red and yellow uniforms, either located in the white row boats in the water, along the shoreline, or at the lifeguard stands.
Was this article informative? Become a Beach Metro Community News Supporter today! For 50 years, we have worked hard to be the eyes and ears in your community, inform you of upcoming events, and let you know what and who is making a difference. We cover the big stories as well as the little things that often matter the most. CLICK HERE to support your Beach Metro Community News!
