Public Service Announcement

Municipal Beaches Open July 1 for the Summer Season

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 (Halifax, NS) – Starting Tuesday, July 1, municipal beaches and the outdoor pool at the Halifax Common will be officially open to the public for the summer months.

There are a variety of beaches, lakes and outdoor pools across the Halifax region, many of which are supervised by trained lifeguards every day of the summer. All municipal lifeguards have specialized training in injury prevention and first aid, and are equipped with emergency supplies for a waterfront setting.

Daily supervision at most municipal beach sites and the Halifax Common outdoor pool is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents are advised that there is no weekend supervision at some beaches.

The following are some helpful tips for anyone spending time around the water this summer:

• Know how to swim. If you don’t, sign up for free lessons through the Halifax Regional Municipality.
• Always swim with a buddy in supervised areas only.
• Adults should never leave children unsupervised near water. There should be one adult supervising for every three children under 6 years old, or one adult for every six children 6-7 years old.
• Avoid relying on flotation devices like rafts, water noodles and water wings.
• Know the warning signs. Avoid swimming if you are too tired, too cold, had too much sun, too much strenuous activity or are too far from safety.
• Avoid diving in unfamiliar or shallow waters, which can lead to serious spinal cord injuries.

Residents are reminded that the municipality is once again offering free swimming lessons and Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and junior lifeguard programs at all its municipal beaches and the Halifax Common outdoor pool.

There is still space available in some classes. If interested, residents can register by calling 490-6666, by visiting any municipally operated community recreation centre in the Halifax region or online at the Community & Recreation Services “Rec Connect” page. Simply visit www.halifax.ca/rec/ProgramsandActivities.php and click on “Beach” to sign up.

If classes are full in your community, registration for the second round of free lessons opens on Wednesday, July 9.

For more information on municipal beaches, facilities and recreation programs across the municipality, please visit www.halifax.ca/rec/ProgramsandActivities.php.

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Media Contact:

Jennifer Stairs
Halifax Regional Municipality
Public Affairs
902-476-5975
stewarj@halifax.ca