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Beachgoers at Port Stanley’s Main Beach now have free access to lifejackets, thanks to a new Lifejacket Lending Program launched by the Municipality of Central Elgin in collaboration with the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition. The program aims to make water safety easier and more accessible for everyone visiting the waterfront.
Lifejackets are available in Adult, Youth, Child, and Infant sizes and can be borrowed at no cost. This initiative has been made possible through the generous support and donation of lifejackets by the Lifesaving Society Ontario and the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition.
“This program is about removing barriers and making water safety easy and accessible for everyone,” says Central Elgin Mayor Andrew Sloan. “We want beachgoers to feel confident and protected while enjoying our beautiful waterfront. We are thankful for our partners who have helped turn this program into a reality and will help keep our community safe for years to come.”
How It Works
Borrowing a lifejacket is simple:
- Visit the central lifeguarding tower on Main Beach (the tallest lifeguard structure and next to the accessible pathway).
- Present a piece of ID and sign a waiver.
- A lifeguard from the Central Elgin Beach Rescue Team will fit you with the right size.
- Lifejackets are loaned on a first-come, first-served basis and must be returned before the lifeguards go off duty.
Borrowing a lifejacket is free, your ID is held temporarily and returned once the lifejacket is brought back.
Hours of Operation
The Lifejacket Lending Program operates seasonally during lifeguard hours:
- Weekdays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Weekends & Holidays: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Water safety advocates emphasize that lifejackets save lives but must be paired with safe behaviour.
“Lifejackets are a critical part of water safety - whether you’re boating or swimming,” says Briar McCaw, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition. “For weak and non-swimmers, they make the water safer and more accessible for everyone. However, it’s important to remember a lifejacket is not a substitute for active adult supervision. Always be aware of your swimming ability, choose safe and designated swimming areas, check weather and water conditions before going in, swim with a buddy, and keep children within arm’s reach. If trouble arises, a properly fitted lifejacket keeps you afloat and buys precious time for rescue. The Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition is proud to support this initiative, promoting safety and saving lives in our community.”
"The Lifesaving Society commends the Municipality of Central Elgin for their commitment to protecting their residents and visitors by providing free access to lifejackets. Most drownings in Ontario happen in natural bodies of water where weather and environmental conditions can be unpredictable. Wearing a lifejacket while swimming is a simple lifesaving step everyone should take," says Stephanie Bakalar, Lead Spokesperson for Lifesaving Society Ontario.
For more water safety tips and information and about public beaches in Central Elgin, please visit: Beaches - Municipality of Central Elgin
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