Beaches & Splash Pads

• Guidelines for Beach Use

  • Check the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit beach water testing results before heading to the beach.
  • If garbage cans are full, please take your garbage with you.
  • Dogs are not permitted on City beaches.
  • Smoking is n​ot permitted on City beaches.
  • ​Barbeques and other cooking appliances are not permitted, whether lighted or not, within waterfront parks unless specfically authorized by the City. Community-use barbeques located in Tyndale Park and Centennial Park are open 7 days a week for public use.  No person shall dispose of or deposit community use barbeque coals in any waste container or any other location other than those designated for their safe disposal. Please comply with on-site Community BBQ Rules signage.
  • Tents or sunshades are not permitted unless such tent or sunshade is solely supported by no more than one pole and have no more than one wall or side.

  ​If you have concerns with how someone is using a public beach or outdoor space, please call the Enforcement Line 705-739-4241 or email enforcement.services@barrie.ca. A Municipal Law Enforcement Officer will investigate the complaint to ensure compliance and may lay charges when appropriate.

• Parking

  A digital waterfront parking permit is required to park for free near Barrie's beaches. Drivers can park without a permit for $10/hour with a daily max of $50 in specific waterfront parking areas. This is enforced 24/7/365. Signage is in place.

• PFD Loan Service

  During the summer season, the PFD loaner program allows visitors to borrow Personal Floatation Devices for free (a deposit is required) from the Lifeguard office at Centennial Beach and Johnson’s Beach, 7 days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  The PFD loan service, recognized with an Award of Excellence from the Canadian Red Cross in 2012, is an important way to increase usage and public education surrounding the value of properly fitted PFDs. Approximately 90% of drowning victims are found not wearing a lifejacket or PFD.

• Beach Maintenance

  The City asks residents and visitors of our beautiful beaches to pitch in where they can, and do their best to leave only footprints. 

  The beaches listed above are cleaned regularly, including weekends, during official beach season (typically July and August). Grooming machines remove grass, plastic, cans, stone, wood and other debris three times per week. Beaches are also serviced by staff as needed, based on reports received. To request maintenance, please contact Service Barrie at ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca or 705-726-4242.

  Off-season, beach cleaning methods depend on weather and use.

• Beach Water Quality

  To ensure our beaches are safe for swimming, weekly water samples are analyzed by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. Warnings will be posted at designated swimming beaches when bacteria levels exceed provincial guidelines.

  Check the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit beach water testing results before heading to the beach.

• Accessibility Mat at Centennial Beach

  During the City's lifeguard season, an accessibility mat is anchored on the sand at Centennial Beach between lifeguard chairs #4 and #5. This mat permits wheelchairs and strollers the ability to wheel closer to the water's edge and is accessible from the boardwalk. 

• Swimming

  • Never underestimate the power of current. Swimmers or waders can be swept away in an instant, particularly if non-swimmers or weak swimmers get caught by current in rivers or out of their depth in abrupt drop-offs.
  • Be cautious about swimming in currents, and know what to do if caught in a current.
  • Swim with a buddy. Buddies can help each other or go for help in case of an emergency.
  • Avoid diving unless the you're properly trained and certain that the water is deep enough.
  • Get trained. Learning some life-saving skills, such as CPR and rescue techniques, can help you save a life. Courses are available through the City.
• Boating

  Be Prepared: Ensure your vessel has the required safety gear on board and sufficient fuel. Carry a VHF radio or cell phone with you when on the water. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Get trained. Learn how to survive an unexpected fall into the water.

  Be Aware of Environmental Conditions:  Check weather and water conditions before heading out and monitor for changing conditions while out. Return to the nearest point of safety if the conditions change. The presence of cold water, wind, waves, current and darkness make recreational boating activities much more dangerous.

  Stay Alert and in Control: Never consume alcohol before or during a boating outing. Plan and prepare: Ensure the operator of the boat is experienced, the vessel is loaded properly, and that appropriate safety equipment is on board. An emergency plan should be established ahead of time. Drive powerboats responsibly – use appropriate speed, especially when the water is choppy. Stay seated! You can easily fall out of a small powerboat, canoe or kayak.

  Always Wear a Lifejacket or PFD:  A properly worn flotation device is the fundamental safety item for anyone heading out on a boat. It keeps you at the surface of the water during unexpected or unintentional entries into water, reduces the initial impact (cold water shock to your muscles) of a fall into cold water, and can help you reach safety. All persons on board, even strong swimmers, should be wearing a lifejacket/PFD.

  For more boating safety tips please refer to the Lifesaving Society or Canadian Red Cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why does the lifeguard season for Johnson’s Beach end earlier than Centennial Beach?

  End-of-season availability of beach lifeguards can be challenging. Many of the lifeguards are postsecondary students who generally leave prior to the long weekend to return to school. This impacts their availability for guarding on the Labour Day weekend and to assist with beach closing operations such as removal of buoys and storage of equipment.

  Prior to 2020, lifeguards were on duty 7 days a week at Johnson’s Beach and Centennial Beach from approximately late June to mid-August each year. Extending the lifeguarding season to the Friday before Labour Day weekend at Centennial Beach only was approved by Council for the 2020 season. Considerations included: end-of-season availability of lifeguards, beach attendance, and cost. Please review Staff Report 19-G-281 for full details.

• What causes increased bacteria levels in the lake?

  • Bacterial pollution (E.coli) from the feces of warm blooded animals, such as birds and domestic pets
  • Contaminants such as organic chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides
  • Water gaining heat, as it runs over hot streets and parking lots
• How can we reduce the impact on the lakes?

  • Clean up your pet waste
  • Do not feed birds, ducks, geese, gulls or swans
  • Minimize fertilizer use and avoid applying lawn and garden pesticides
  • Consider lot designs that minimize paved areas, encourages infiltration of rainwater and reduces erosion