Ottawa Beaches Close Early as Lifeguard Shortage Affects Season

The City of Ottawa has confirmed that its beach season will not be extended to Labour Day in 2025 due to a shortage of available lifeguards. Despite including funding in the budget to support this extension, city staff have determined that they cannot secure enough certified lifeguards to ensure safety at the city’s beaches.

In a memo sent to city councillors on March 15, 2025, Dan Chenier, the general manager of Recreation, Cultural and Facilities Services, outlined the challenges the city faced in maintaining beach operations. Chenier noted that the city requires between 55 and 60 lifeguards for adequate supervision of its beaches, but efforts to recruit staff have not met this threshold.

“Unfortunately, after exploring several options, including a shortened or modified daily schedule and a reduced number of beach sites, staff are not able to retain a sufficient number of certified waterfront lifeguards to extend the season at any of the locations,” Chenier stated. The early return of classes at French school boards and the timing of the Labour Day long weekend have compounded the issue, limiting lifeguards’ availability.

As a result, the city will officially end its beach season on August 24, 2025, with signage at each location indicating the lack of supervision after this date. Recognizing that residents may still wish to visit the beaches, Chenier mentioned that safety measures will be implemented to promote responsible behavior in the absence of lifeguard supervision.

Restroom facilities at Mooney’s Bay, Britannia Beach, and Petrie Island will remain open until September 1, with operating hours set from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Portable toilets at these locations will remain available until October. The Westboro Beach Pavilion will be managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC), which will oversee its opening and closing.

Extended Hours for Outdoor Pools

In contrast to the beach season, some outdoor pools in Ottawa will have extended service into September. Chenier announced that with support from the additional funding in the 2025 budget, Bearbrook, Crestview, and Glen Cairn outdoor pools will remain open until September 14, albeit with modified hours.

The General Burns pool, which has been undergoing repairs, is expected to reopen on September 9 and will offer an extended season until October 3. Conversely, the Beaverbrook, Corkstown, and Katimavik pools will close on August 24, while the Entrance pool on Eaton Street is set to close on September 9.

Wading pools that opened on June 23 closed on August 24, with only a few remaining operational until that date. Splash pads will remain open until September 14, with the possibility of extension should the weather remain warm.

The decision to limit the beach season underscores the ongoing challenges faced by municipalities in staffing recreational services, particularly during peak times. As communities adapt, the focus remains on ensuring safety for residents while providing accessible recreational opportunities.