Safely welcoming visitors to Huron County’s beaches.

June 29, 2020

[Huron County, Ontario] – As visitors are welcomed to Huron County, the County of Huron asks that all visitors and residents follow all health and safety protocols, and respect the natural areas and delicate ecosystems when visiting local beaches.

“In order for our beaches to remain open, people need to show respect for the health of others and for our natural areas,” said Huron County Warden, Jim Ginn. “If beach protocols are not respected we will need to review our decisions and implement changes or closures as necessary.”

Huron County’s 14 beaches are each maintained by the local municipality in which they are located and as such each beach could be operating with different protocols in place.  Visitors are asked to contact the local Municipality prior to visiting the beach to determine if closures or restrictions are in place. Information for each beach can be found on the Ontario’s West Coast website:  https://www.ontarioswestcoast.ca/things-to-do/beaches/

When visiting any of Huron County’s beaches, visitors and residents are asked to consider the following:

  • Visit a beach close to your home. Travelling long distances to visit a beach may contribute to the spread of COVID-19.
  • Practice physical distancing by staying 2 meters (6 feet) from others on the beach and in the water.
  • Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
  • Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as picnic tables before and after use.
  • Clean your hands. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Consider a shorter beach visit to help reduce crowding and ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the shore.
  • Consider visiting the beach at off-peak hours to avoid over-crowding.
  • Respect private property.
  • Respect the natural beach ecosystem by avoiding the delicate dunes and grasses found on Huron’s shoreline. Use marked pathways only.
  • Stay home if you feel unwell, tested positive for COVID-19, or were recently exposed to COVID-19.
  • Avoid organized group activities like beach volleyball, frisbee, football, etc.
  • Keep in mind that playgrounds or play structures remain closed.

Be aware that Huron County’s beaches are being regularly patrolled by local law enforcement.  Failure to comply with local health regulations could result in receiving a fine.

Huron County continues to urge all residents to practice physical distancing and proper hygiene protocols outlined by the Provincial Medical Officer of Health.  Stay informed on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Huron County by visiting the Huron-Perth Public Health website.

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For more information contact:

Jim Ginn, Warden,
519.524.8394 (ext 3224)
warden@huroncounty.ca