Supervised beaches won’t have extended season after staffing issues

The City of Ottawa wanted to extend supervised beaches this year, but a lack of qualified lifeguards has shelved the idea.

In a memo from Dan Chenier, general manager of recreation, culture and facility services, it reads that despite additional funds approved in the budget and several solutions explored, they will not be able to extend beach season in the capital past Aug. 24.

This is because there will not be a sufficient number of certified waterfront lifeguards for any of the locations past this Sunday. The requirement is to have between 55 to 60 lifeguards.

The goal was to extend the season until Sept. 1; however, Chenier writes that an early return to classes at French boards and the September long weekend, including post-secondary classes, resulted in not enough lifeguards available.

Instead, the city will be putting up and promoting more signage at beaches showcasing that it’s now not lifeguarded.

Because pavilion washrooms at Mooney’s, Britannia and Petrie Island will remain open.

Outdoor pools get extensions

After unplanned repairs keeping General Burns outdoor pool closed for several weeks at the height of the season, the city said it will stay open from Sept. 9 to Oct. 3.

The additional budgeting also allows Crestview and Glen Cairn outdoor pools to remain open until Sept. 14, with
modified hours.