- Swim only in designated areas, which are marked with white buoys in the water.
- Always supervise and stay within arm’s reach of children who are in or near the water.
- Be alert to flags, signs and hazard symbols that indicate high risk zones.
- Never swim alone.
- Never swim while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Know your limits - swim within your ability and wear an appropriately sized lifejacket.
- Stay hydrated, use sunscreen (SPF 30+), and take breaks from the sun.
- Be alert - weather and water conditions can change quickly.
- In case of emergency, call 911 immediately.
Beach & Water Safety
Lake Erie is a beautiful place to swim and enjoy the waterfront, but natural hazards can be present. Sudden drop-offs, changing weather conditions, strong currents, waves, and underwater obstacles can increase the risks associated with open-water swimming.
The Central Elgin Beach Rescue Service promotes water safety through education, public awareness, waterfront supervision, and emergency response services. Lifeguards patrol Main Beach in Port Stanley during the summer season to help keep visitors safe in and around the water.
Before visiting the beach, be sure to check current conditions and follow all posted safety information.
Follow Central Elgin Beach Rescue on Facebook and Instagram for beach updates, water conditions, and seasonal safety tips.
Beach Patrol Supervision
Main Beach is patrolled between the months of July through to September. Lifeguards are easily identified by their red and black uniforms and are stationed at five lifeguard towers, as well as the Central Elgin Beach Rescue Office, located next to GT’s in the Main Beach washroom block.
It is important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty at Erie Rest, Little, or Pumphouse beaches. At these beaches, lifesaving equipment is available.
Hours of Beach Supervision
| Day | Times |
|---|---|
| Monday |
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Tuesday |
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Wednesday |
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Thursday |
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Friday |
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Saturday |
11 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
| Sunday |
11 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
| Holidays |
11 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
In the event of lightning, guards will be off the beach from 30 minutes from the time of the last lightning/thunder strike, patrons are similarly advised to seek safe shelter during this period.
Know the Flags
Lifeguards fly coloured flags to define the water conditions.
| Flag Colour | Swim Conditions |
|---|---|
|
Green |
Good Condition, no unusual hazards |
|
Yellow |
Moderate conditions, swim with caution |
|
Red |
Danger! Swimming not advised |
|
Double Red |
Hazard! Swimming not advised. |
|
No Flag |
No beach patrol on duty |
Beach and Water Safety Tips
Have fun and stay safe by following these beach and water safety tips:
Never jump in or dive from the Pier
This is a dangerous activity and is prohibited. The Pier has the potential to create structural currents. Do not put yourself, or first responders at risk.
Boating and Watercraft Safety Tips
- Everyone on board must always wear a lifejacket.
- All powerboat operators require a Pleasure Craft License. This should be carried with you while operating all motor vessels.
- Obey all local and international boating laws.
-
Operate powerboats responsibly – don't speed close to shore, exercise caution when operating a boat near a swim zone or a beach. Swimmers may stray outside the designated swim zones and are difficult to spot while at high speeds.
- Be aware of the wake from your boat. Nearby swimmers and other small craft may be overwhelmed by the waves.
- Never operate a boat while impaired – it's illegal and impacts your driver's licence in Ontario.
Rip currents are fast moving channels of water. Rip currents often form when water is pushed towards shore from wave action and the built-up volume is forced to break through the oncoming waves, creating a channel that moves away from shore.
Importantly, rip currents can also form around permanent structures (such as Piers) or can occur suddenly, often following large waves.
Rip currents are highly prevalent in the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie.
If caught in a rip current:
• Don’t fight the current.
• Swim parallel out of the current, then on an angle to shore.
• If you’re unable to escape, float or tread water.
• If you need help, call or wave for assistance.
Learn more about rip currents: https://www.ripcurrents.org
Lifejacket Lending Program
The Municipality of Central Elgin offers a free Lifejacket Lending Program at Main Beach in Port Stanley. The program helps make water safety more accessible by providing beachgoers with free access to properly fitted lifejackets while enjoying the waterfront.
Lifejackets are available in Adult, Youth, Child, and Infant sizes and have been generously provided through donations from the Lifesaving Society Ontario and the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition.
How It Works
Borrowing a lifejacket is easy:
- Visit the main lifeguard tower at Main Beach, located next to the accessible pathway.
- Present a piece of identification and complete a waiver form.
- A member of the Central Elgin Beach Rescue Team will help fit you with the appropriate size lifejacket.
- Lifejackets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Borrowed lifejackets must be returned before lifeguards go off duty.
- There is no cost to borrow a lifejacket. Your identification will be returned when the lifejacket is returned.
Hours of Operation
The Lifejacket Lending Program operates during seasonal lifeguard hours:
- Weekdays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Weekends and Holidays: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Stay Safe on the Water
Lifejackets are an important part of water safety and can help prevent drowning. For the best protection, always wear your lifejacket properly, stay within designated swimming areas, and follow all beach safety guidelines.
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