Lifeguards are back on duty at Toronto's 10 supervised swimming beaches as of Saturday, kicking off a summer season of daily supervision that runs through Monday, Sept. 7.
According to a City of Toronto news release, lifeguards wear red-and-yellow uniforms and are stationed either in white rowboats along the shoreline or in lifeguard stands. Designated swim areas are marked by two red-over-yellow flags on the beach and white buoys labelled "swim zone" in the water.
Flag system and water quality
Toronto's beaches use a flag system based on International Lifesaving Federation standards to indicate swimming conditions and designated swimming areas. The City is urging residents to stay within the clearly marked swim zones to avoid the risk of contact with boats and other watercraft.
Beach water quality is monitored daily, weather permitting, from June through September. Toronto Public Health conducts water sampling and analysis so residents can make informed decisions about water quality before swimming at designated beaches.
Safety reminders for swimmers
The City is reminding residents that cold water can severely affect a person's ability to swim or stay afloat, and advises all swimmers to wear a lifejacket regardless of their swimming ability.
Each supervised beach has a dedicated lifesaving station equipped with ring buoys and reaching poles. The stations are marked with a "Parks Locate Point" — an identification marker beachgoers can share with emergency services so responders know exactly where to go. Missing or damaged equipment can be reported to 311.
Rules for boaters and personal watercraft
The Toronto Police Service Marine Unit reminds residents that personal watercraft are not permitted in designated swim areas at Toronto beaches. Posted swim zones and restricted areas must be respected to keep the shared spaces safe for swimmers, lifeguards, paddlers and other users.
Renting personal watercraft on City beaches, parks or waterfront trails is illegal, and operating a rental business from City property may result in enforcement action including fines or criminal charges. The City is strongly discouraging residents from renting personal watercraft from unlicensed or unauthorized operators.
All watercraft must be operated in accordance with boating regulations, including the 10 km/h near-shore speed limit, staying clear of swim zones and carrying required safety equipment. Approved boat launch locations are clearly marked with signage. Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited, and impaired operation can result in penalties that include impacts to a driver's licence.
Free sunscreen at select locations
The City is once again partnering with the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and the Douglas Wright Foundation to provide free sunscreen at select parks, beaches and golf courses through the Be Sun Safe program, which works to prevent skin cancer by improving access to sunscreen and raising awareness about sun protection.
The dispensers offer SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen that is PABA-free, paraben-free, scent-free and mineral-based. A map of dispenser locations is available on the program's website.
Dates, times and locations for each supervised beach are listed on the City's Beaches webpage, with additional water quality information available on the City's Beach Water Quality webpage.
