Today is the official start to the Barrie beach season as lifeguards take their posts at Centennial and Johnson’s beaches.
City of Barrie recreation programmer Cathy Gellegan-Colby says her 25 staff members are eager to get to work for the summer.
“We are ready and excited for another Barrie beach season,” Gellegan-Colby told BarrieToday. “Around half of the guards are returning from last year and the other half are new ones. It's great to see the ones from before taking on leadership roles and then seeing that continue year after year.”
Centennial Beach will be guarded from June 30 to Sept. 2, while Aug. 21 is the cut-off at Johnson’s with shifts running from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
As in previous years, there is no supervision at any other waterfront locations.
Gellgan-Colby says she expects a busy season, just like the last two pandemic-affected years.
“The last two seasons you wouldn’t have known there was a pandemic — we were very busy,” she said. “We have no doubt the same will be true this year.”
Parents and guardians are reminded that children require direct supervision at the beach.
The PFD loan service will be offered for the 2022 season. This program allows visitors to borrow personal flotation devices for free, although a deposit is required.
Beach-goers are also asked to be respectful and clean up your litter. If garbage cans are full, take your garbage with you.
Barbecues and other cooking appliances are not permitted at waterfront beaches or parks.
Tents or sunshades are also not permitted at waterfront beaches or parks unless they are supported by no more than one pole and have no more than one wall or side.
Dogs are not permitted on city beaches.
