COVID-19 Public Beach Use

little girl sits at beach shore with snorkel mask smiling

Peterborough Public Health has advised the following regarding Trent Lakes public beaches and if they can be open.

Public beaches in Trent Lakes are allowed to be open to the public with social distancing measures in place. This includes when swimming or playing in the water or at the shoreline. Please be sure to follow all guidelines so that these outdoor recreation areas can remain open.

The public is always advised to use their best judgement and to strictly adhere to public safety health measures for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. If there are too many people on the beach please put your safety first and return another day. Trent Lakes has only a few public beaches and they all have a limited capacity, most especially during this pandemic.

The Stay at Home Order permits people to leave the home for these purposes:

16. Exercising, including,

i. walking or moving around outdoors using an assistive mobility device, or
ii. using an outdoor recreational amenity that is permitted to be open.

And the Rules for the Shutdown allow for beach use:

Schedule 3, 4.(6) Any person who uses any of the following amenities shall maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from any other person who is also using the amenity, other than a person who is a member of the same household, a member of one other household who lives alone or a caregiver for any member of either household.

1. Outdoor parks and recreational areas.
2. Off-leash dog areas.
3. Benches in parks or recreational areas.
4. Outdoor playgrounds, play structures and play equipment.

Recreating with ones household, staying as local as possible, and maintaining at least 2m from those not in a household are the big ones to consider.

Note: The Peterborough Public Health routine beach testing inspection program for all public beaches runs from mid-June until the end August. If you ever have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 legislation or cautions, never hesitate to contact Peterborough Public Health.