The numbers are in from Saugeen Shores’ Beach Ambassador patrolling program which launched this past summer.
A staff report to council October 11th says the program began June 18th and ended on Labour Day. It involved having a part-time Town bylaw officer patrol the beaches every weekend instead of police special constables.
Staff say, the purpose of the Beach Ambassador program was to educate beach goers and give warnings when necessary.
They say, “The last resort would be to impose enforcement if required.”
According to the report, the program was well received with focus areas at Eidt’s Grove, Gobles Grove, Port Elgin Main Beach and Southampton Main Beach.
The note, other beaches were also monitored when resources allowed for it.
147 bylaw warnings were issued which included alcohol on the beach, dogs, tents, or barbecues on the beach.
48 parking warnings were issued and 58 parking notices were issued.
Staff say, the patrols totalled 182 hours of coverage.
In 2022, the Beach Ambassador program was funded through COVID-19 relief funding. The total cost for the Part Time coverage was $9,019.
They say this was the last year for that funding and note, summer beach patrol funding for 2023 will be looked at in that year’s budget.
