Keeping Beaches Safe as August Approaches

July 30, 2020
For immediate release

COUNTY OF ELGIN – With the August long weekend approaching, Elgin County Warden Dave Mennill is urging beachgoers to maintain all their successful efforts to date to keep the County’s public beaches in Port Burwell, Port Bruce and Port Stanley safe and accessible in light of on-going risks associated with COVID-19. “July was a successful month in terms of responsible usage of the County’s public beaches but we cannot become complacent given that COVID-19 is still very much present in our region,” stated Warden Mennill. “The August long weekend is often the busiest weekend of the summer when it comes to enjoying our beautiful beaches. Let’s not undo all the progress we have made so that they can remain
open for the remainder of the summer.”

Visitors to Elgin County’s beaches must continue to follow provincial orders and the advice of Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) to ensure Elgin County’s public beaches remain open. Beachgoers should consider the following before visiting:

• Ample parking is available but in designated areas only and these areas could be at capacity during
certain times. Parking in un-designated areas will be subject to rigorous enforcement.

• Family and social circles must be limited to no more than ten people. Everyone living in the same
household is in a social circle. For all others, physical distancing of at least 2 metres must be
maintained while on the beach and while in the water.

• Wear a non-medical mask when distancing cannot be maintained.

• Wash hands often and bring hand sanitizer to use when soap and water is not available, especially
before and after eating and after using a public washroom.

• Limit your time on the beach so that others can enjoy the experience safely.

• Expect to see regular patrols by the Ontario Provincial Police and Municipal By-law Enforcement.

“If parking spots are not available, that means that our beaches are already at capacity so it is best you come back another time,” stated Warden Mennill. “There is still lots of summer left to enjoy but our beaches will only remain open if they are used responsibly given that we are still in the midst of a global
pandemic.”

For additional information, please contact:
Warden Dave Mennill
Tel: 519-200-0279
dmennill@elgin.ca