Manitoba announced on Thursday, June 4, 2020, that beach safety officers will be returning to Birds Hill, Winnipeg Beach and Grand Beach provincial parks.
As the temperatures rise the popular beaches will see more and more visitors amid COVID-19.
Beachgoers are reminded that physical distancing is still in force and the two-metre separation between non-family members should be followed on land and in the water. The province also suggests that there should be four metres (12 ft) between each group’s towels and blankets to allow for foot traffic to and from the water. Other guidelines include:
- Towels, beach toys, food and other items should not be shared between members of different family/household groups;
- Should the sand area be full please use adjacent grassed areas to ensure group and individual physical distancing is maintained;
- Please bring your own picnic table covers, toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer and other personal items;
- Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer regularly, and immediately after utilizing a play structure;
- Please note existing Life Jacket Loaner Stations are closed and loaner life jackets will not be available until further notice due to COVID-19;
- Access to Beach Safety Stations at Birds Hill, Grand Beach and Winnipeg Beach is restricted to Beach Safety Officers (BSOs). BSOs will be practicing physical distancing including while assisting visitors at minor first aid self-treatment locations near the Beach Safety Stations.
Due to COVID-19 the province has also suspended the life-jacket loaner program. Individuals who require life-jackets or personal floatation devices should bring their own.
© News4.ca 2020