Sandpoint Beach is closed indefinitely. Here's what you need to know
Staff will be on site to keep people out of the water
The City of Windsor says there will be measures in place at the city's only public beach this summer to make sure people stay out of the water.
City councillors voted unanimously on Monday to close Sandpoint Beach for safety reasons pending the outcome of a coroner's report into a 15-year-old swimmer's death last month.
In a statement Tuesday, the city explained the steps it's taking to prevent people from swimming.
There will be staff on site to inform the public of the closure, more signage explaining that the water is dangerous, and fencing to close off access to the water.
While the beach closure is indefinite and effective immediately, the city says it could take until June 24 for all of these measures to be in place. The parkland, playground and sand will remain accessible to the public.
The city says the decision was made for safety reasons following nine drowning deaths since the beach opened in 1980.
An area just west of the beach, where several people have drowned, is notorious for dangerous currents. Signs and fencing are already in place in that area.
"We understand how much Sandpoint Beach means to residents and families, especially during the summer months. However, safety must always be the priority," Michael Chantler, Windsor's commissioner of community services, said in a media release.
"The Parks and Recreation team is moving quickly and with urgency to put safety measures in place to protect the community. We are already on site, developing signage, arranging for additional fencing, and speaking directly with visitors. We want people to know we're taking this seriously, and we're doing everything we can — right now — to prevent further tragedy."
The city has approved a $15-million master plan to relocate the beach a short distance to the east and upgrade the amenities in the area.
Councillors expressed hope that the coroner's investigation into the most recent death will shed light on the safety risks in the area. Council will revisit the master plan for Sandpoint once the outcome of that investigation is known.