Council votes to close Sandpoint Beach following drowning death of swimmer

Windsor city council has decided to close Sandpoint Beach following the drowning death of a 15-year-old last month.

Councillors say they want to wait until a coroner's investigation into this death is complete before deciding next steps.

"Before we make any decisions on this, I'd really like to see that report and see some of the recommendations,"  said Coun. Gary Kaschak. 

On May 19, OPP divers recovered the body of a 15-year-old who disappeared in the water near the beach the previous day.

Police said two teenagers were swimming just west of the beach when one went under the water and did not resurface.

The Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario has confirmed it will be investigating the teen's death.

Coun. Jo-Anne Gignac, who agreed with Kaschak on the need to look at the recommendations, put forward the motion to close the beach pending the outcome of the report.

"We have to stop and take a sober second look at whether or not the area will be ever be safe. And I'm not convinced of that," she said.

9 deaths in 4 decades

Nine people have drowned while swimming in the beach area since 1986. The western edge of the beach, which has signage and fencing to deter swimmers, drops off sharply in depth and there is a strong undertow.

The city has approved a $15-million long-term plan to relocate the beach a short distance to the east and make other enhancements to the area.

Coun. Angelo Marignani, who represents the area, put forward a motion to accelerate that plan, which failed.

Kaschak said that he appreciates Marignani's intent to keep the beach open, but without knowing if the area is ultimately safe, he suggested council could be "throwing good money at a bad situation."

Council agreed to revisit the approved plans for the area once the coroner's report is complete.

The city hasn't said when the beach closure will start, and it's unclear if the entire beach will be shut down, or just access to the water.