- Swim only in designated areas, which are marked with white buoys in the water.
- Always supervise and stay within arm’s reach of children who are in or near the water.
- Be alert to flags, signs and hazard symbols that indicate high risk zones.
- Never swim alone.
- Never swim while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Know your limits - swim within your ability and wear an appropriately sized lifejacket.
- Stay hydrated, use sunscreen (SPF 30+), and take breaks from the sun.
- Be alert - weather and water conditions can change quickly.
- In case of emergency, call 911 immediately.
Beach Safety
Beaches may have serious hazards. Sudden drop-offs, sharp rocks, unpredictable weather and unexpected waves heighten the risk of swimming in a lake.
The Central Elgin Beach Rescue Service provides water safety awareness and education to all patrons in the surrounding waters off the Main Beach in Port Stanley, as well as water supervision and emergency medical response.
Follow Central Elgin Beach Rescue on Facebook and Instagram for beach updates and safety tips.
Beach Patrol Supervision
Main Beach is patrolled between the months of July through to September. Lifeguards are easily identified by their red and black uniforms and are stationed at five lifeguard towers, as well as the Central Elgin Beach Rescue Office, located next to GT’s in the Main Beach washroom block.
It is important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty at Erie Rest, Little, or Pumphouse beaches. At these beaches, lifesaving equipment is available.
Hours of Beach Supervision
| Day | Times |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Thursday | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Friday | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Saturday | 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
| Sunday | 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
| Holidays | 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
In the event of lightning, guards will be off the beach from 30 minutes from the time of the last lightning/thunder strike, patrons are similarly advised to seek safe shelter during this period.
Know the Flags
Lifeguards fly coloured flags to define the water conditions.
| Flag Colour | Swim Conditions |
|---|---|
Green | Good Condition, no unusual hazards |
Yellow | Moderate conditions, swim with caution |
Red | Danger! Swimming not advised |
Double Red | Hazard! Swimming not advised. |
No Flag | No beach patrol on duty |
Beach and Water Safety Tips
Have fun and stay safe by following these beach and water safety tips:
Never jump in or dive from the Pier
This is a dangerous activity and is prohibited. The Pier has the potential to create structural currents. Do not put yourself, or first responders at risk.
Boating and Watercraft Safety Tips
- Everyone on board must always wear a lifejacket.
- All powerboat operators require a Pleasure Craft License. This should be carried with you while operating all motor vessels.
- Obey all local and international boating laws.
Operate powerboats responsibly – don't speed close to shore, exercise caution when operating a boat near a swim zone or a beach. Swimmers may stray outside the designated swim zones and are difficult to spot while at high speeds.
- Be aware of the wake from your boat. Nearby swimmers and other small craft may be overwhelmed by the waves.
- Never operate a boat while impaired – it's illegal and impacts your driver's licence in Ontario.
Rip currents are fast moving channels of water. Rip currents often form when water is pushed towards shore from wave action and the built-up volume is forced to break through the oncoming waves, creating a channel that moves away from shore.
Importantly, rip currents can also form around permanent structures (such as Piers) or can occur suddenly, often following large waves.
Rip currents are highly prevalent in the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie.
If caught in a rip current:
• Don’t fight the current.
• Swim parallel out of the current, then on an angle to shore.
• If you’re unable to escape, float or tread water.
• If you need help, call or wave for assistance.
Learn more about rip currents: https://www.ripcurrents.org/
Beach Water Quality
Visit the Beach Water Quality page for more information
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