BEACH 101 - TO GUIDE YOU DURING YOUR VISIT

To help make your visit to Wasaga Beach Provincial Park as pleasant as possible, and to ensure that others around you enjoy theirs, it is suggested that you take a few minutes to read through the following section. Some information responds to frequently asked questions about the beach environment (i.e. detritus and low water levels) and others offer suggestions for ensuring a safe visit (i.e. poison ivy on the trail and sun protection). The Park Tabloid will provide further details on park information and regulations.

Beach Areas

Wasaga's beach provides hours of fun for everyone. To make your visit safe and enjoyable, remember these tips:

• Wasaga Beach Provincial Park does not have lifeguards - parents; children are your responsibility.
• Prevent sunburn and heat stroke by wearing a t-shirt. Always wear sunscreen and a hat.
• Be conscious of your swimming ability - if in doubt, do not go in the water and if you do, consider wearing a life jacket. A life jacket loan system is available through the Park's Gatehouses.
• Even when there is no wind in your face on the beach there is still an offshore breeze. These breezes are dangerous as they can blow inflatable toys very quickly into deep water. Do not attempt to retrieve them. Instead, contact park staff immediately.

General Beach Management

Beach management also includes planting Marram grass to stabilize dunes, monitoring wetland meadows and ensuring that visitors to the beach abide by park regulations, including not disturbing wildlife or other people.

Along Beach Areas 1, 2 and 4, you will find snow fencing. Please stay away from the fencing as it is in place for sand dune stabilization. Additionally, please use established beach access points to walk to and from the beach. By walking over dunes with Marram grass, sand is displaced by your feet. Over time, sand can become displaced causing roots to become exposed to sun and wind. This exposure can lead to the death of the plant and the collapse of the dune. Thank you for your understanding and assistance.

Water Quality

Finally, beach management also includes taking water samples from Nottawasaga Bay. By taking weekly water samples, park management is able to let the public know if there is a beach closure due to water contamination. Water tests are conducted by the Ministry of Health and must meet the Ministry of Health Guidelines for good water quality and safe swimming. If these standards are not met, the beach will be posted 'Unsafe for Swimming' at Park Gatehouses and along the beach. While closures are not common, they can occur.