Checking In: @waterkeepermark and Ontario beaches during COVID-19
For the Checking In series, Mark Mattson checks in with Ontario beaches during COVID-19. Ontario beaches are seeing record numbers of visitors this spring and summer. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Swim Drink Fish started publishing accurate, up-to-date information about which beaches are open. Check Swim Guide and Great Lakes Guide for more information about how to use public beaches responsibly.
Q: What problems have you heard about with beaches during COVID-19?
A: The problems at beaches are all the same: safety and access.
There are regular safety precautions you need to take at the beach such as checking water quality, never swimming alone, and checking conditions like depth, waves, temperature, etc. Now there are new challenges with COVID-19.
These new challenges include:
Physical distancing.
Overcrowding.
Welcoming visitors from other regions.
Every community must weigh these factors when deciding how, when, and where to open access to its beaches.
Q: What solutions exist for physical distancing issues at the beach in Ontario and in other parts of the world?
A: The general rule is don’t go to the beach if you have COVID-19 symptoms. In Ontario, people are expected to take the Ontario Ministry of Health self-assessment for COVID-19 before going to the beach. Practice physical distancing at the beach and in the water. You should also avoid crowded areas, wash your hands often, and wear a face mask if physical distancing is a challenge. Visiting a beach close to home also reduces how much you travel and reduces the risk of possibly spreading the virus.
Beyond that, every community has its own unique challenges. Here on Lake Ontario for example, Cobourg decided to shut down Victoria Beach for the summer. In Toronto, 6 of the 11 official beaches have opened with lifeguards and water quality sampling as of this week.
In California, some beaches are open only for swimming, paddling, surfing, and running, but not sunbathing.
Last weekend when beaches were closed for swimming in Toronto — many were aghast that the beaches were used for parties by the waterfront. I don’t think that is right. Beaches should be for connecting to the water. We hope that the change in the official opening of beaches in Toronto with lifeguards and water quality sampling will help.
Or else other options may be necessary.
Q: Are there alternative swimming options?
A: A great way to find alternative options is to do a little research. Swim Drink Fish created Swim Guide (www.theswimguide.org) and Great Lakes Guide (greatlakes.guide) as tools to help people do research and find safe and accessible ways to connect with water. Sometimes, you need to do a little digging about beaches in your area, on things like water quality, access, and crowding. Always best to go early in the morning at the beaches I live near in Toronto.
Regardless, Ontario is a freshwater-rich province. If we use our common sense and put safety first, we can re-discover the water access in our own communities this summer. There is still is plenty of opportunity for everyone to get outside and in the water.
Q: What is the importance of beaches during a summer like we are about to have?
A: The importance of our beaches this summer cannot be understated. After many months of staying indoors and at home, many people need to get outside. It is so important for health and wellness. Whether you live in the city or country, north or south, west or east... in Ontario, you are near water. And our connections to our water will be cherished more than ever due to the value they play in keeping us well.
