Keeping Our Beaches Safe and Operational This Summer
Written by Communications, June 11, 2021
Residents & Visitors Asked to Follow all Public Health Measures
Peterborough Public Health, Peterborough County OPP, Peterborough Police Service and all 10 local municipalities are coming together to issue a joint statement encouraging residents and visitors to follow public health measures and make responsible choices when attending local beaches. This will help to ensure these beautiful spaces remain open for enjoyment.
Over the last two weeks, enforcement agencies in the city and county of Peterborough have received an increase in the number of complaints and concerns from the public regarding gatherings at public recreational areas, including local beaches.
“While it is exciting that Ontario is once again reopening, all residents and visitors are reminded that this is intended to be a gradual and safe reopening – public health measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 must still be followed,” said Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “If you arrive at the beach and it is crowded, be a responsible citizen and consider returning at another time. Physical distancing is still required as we progress through the steps of reopening.”
Ms. Ingram noted that there are 21 beaches across the region that are currently open to the public. “If the parking lot is full when you arrive, the beach is at capacity. You are urged to leave and consider attending another location – all local beaches are listed on the PPH website along with their water quality status.”
“Peterborough County OPP actively patrols local beaches, parks and neighbouring areas. The safety of our community members and visitors remains a top priority and the OPP encourages everyone to follow emergency measures and health recommendations,” said Staff Sergeant Chris Galeazza. “Officers continue to respond to complaints and concerns from the public. You can make a report by calling 1-888-310-1122 or 9-1-1 in emergency. Please stay safe.”
“In collaboration with our community partners with regard to keeping our beaches safe and open, we encourage residents and visitors to follow provincial guidelines and health measures,” added Inspector John Lyons, Peterborough Police Service.
In addition to avoiding crowded places and maintaining physical distancing, residents and visitors are reminded to take further actions to be safe when attending beaches and local recreational areas:
- Do not go out if you are sick or unwell. Always conduct a COVID-19 self-assessment before leaving your home.
- Follow all parking restrictions in the area. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, the beach is at capacity. Do NOT park on the roadway.
- Always keep 2 metres of physical distance from anyone who you don’t live with.
- Pack your hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and bug spray.
- Be aware that the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and municipal smoking by-laws restrict smoking and vaping at area beaches, parks, playgrounds and sports fields. Any person who sees people smoking, vaping, or using cannabis at beaches and within park boundaries may report a violation by phoning the PPH Tobacco Enforcement Officers at (705) 743-1000 or reporting the offence online at peterboroughpublichealth.ca/sfoa.
Peterborough Public Health has begun surveillance and beach water sampling for this year’s swimming season. Beaches open to the public across the region will be regularly tested to ensure water quality conditions are safe for recreational use.
The routine inspection program for all public beaches started early June and will run until at least the end August. City beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead Park are sampled Monday through Friday. Public beaches in the county are sampled at least once a week, except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, White’s Beach, Belmont Lake Beach and Kasshabog Lake Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July and August.
For a complete list and an interactive map of all the beaches that will be tested for the 2021 summer months, as well as the sampling status, please visit the Beach Testing page on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to follow Peterborough Public Health on Twitter @Ptbohealth for beach updates throughout the summer.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391