Beach Safety

Working together for a safer beach experience!
Keep group sizes to 10 people - Bring your own hand sanitizer - Bring your own water bottle
Maintain 2m distance from others - No games or sports equipment 
Washrooms:  Open 8am-8pm daily - Closed 3 times per day or as needed for cleaning
Do not visit if you do not feel well

Grand Bend Beach Patrol

All Grand Bend Beach Lifeguards are certified through the Lifesaving Society and tested annually on waterfront rescues. Beach Patrol provides public education, patrols the beach by foot and in towers, inspects the beach for hazards, administers first aid, searches for missing people and performs water rescues.

Beach Patrol hours for the 2020 Season

Mid-June to Labour Day Weekend
Monday-Thursday: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Holidays: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tents and umbrellas

Shade structures have become a necessity to some beach goers, but visitors need to keep in mind the rules that have been put in place to keep everyone safe. 

a) Tents and canopies are prohibited on the Main Beach.   
b) Umbrellas with a centre pole no greater than 7 feet 6 inches in height and a circular shade no greater than 9 feet in diameter are permitted but should not interfere or obscure a lifeguard’s view of the water’s edge or beyond

Exceptions may be made to accommodate persons with accessibility needs. Special events that require tents would require a permit from the Community Services Department.  

Postings and closures

Weekly water samples are taken at public beaches from late May to early September by Lambton Public Health. These samples are tested and monitored for high levels of bacteria, excessive algae growth or other contaminants that could cause negative health effects associated with swimming. Warnings are posted when E. coli levels are higher than provincial guidelines. However, due to the delay in receiving lab results, you cannot rely on only lab results to know if it is safe to swim. Learn how to make an informed decision about beach water quality before swimming.

Advisory

An advisory is a warning to swimmers but it does not mean the beach is closed. It means the water contains levels of bacteria that suggest there may be a higher risk of developing minor skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections or stomach disorders. If you choose to swim during an advisory, it may be wise to avoid submerging your head or swallowing the water.

Closure

A beach closure is issued when a catastrophic event occurs or an immediate risk to health is present. For example, sewage spills or toxic chemical releases. Beach closures are rare.

Beach signage

Beach warning flags

The Grand Bend Beach uses warning flags along the shoreline. Beach Patrol is on duty if a flag is being used. Different coloured flags communicate current swimming conditions.