THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay residents hit the beaches in droves over the weekend, making the most of unseasonably warm temperatures and the chance to cut loose outdoors more than a year into COVID-19 restrictions.
A visit to Sandy Beach felt like a temporary reprieve from the pandemic, said one group out for their first swim of the season Sunday.
Beachgoers were respecting physical distancing guidelines, they said, but even from a remove, it was refreshing to be out in public in a semblance of normality.
“It’s so nice to be out and see other people able to enjoy the beach,” said one woman. “It makes you forget about it a little bit.”
“It’s awesome to see people smiling and laughing” after months of cold weather and masked interactions, said another.
Public beaches don't officially open until the end of June, said the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, which is when the agency will begin its water quality testing program and when the City of Thunder Bay normally begins offering lifeguard supervision.
However, a representative for the health unit said residents could use the beaches under provincial guidelines, as long as they follow public health restrictions, similar to rules in place for splash pads and parks.
Current provincial rules permit outdoor gatherings of up to five people, and a distance of two metres must be maintained between those who are not a member of the same household.
Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people will be permitted as of June 11, when Ontario will move into Step 1 of the government's reopening plan.
On the main beach at Boulevard Lake, groups of children were taking advantage of surprisingly warm water temperatures Sunday, while others relaxed on the beach or paddled around the now-refilled lake.
“Once you get tipped, it feels fine,” reported eight-year-old Emma Moore.
Her grandmother, who joined her for the first beach day of the year, said the ability to gather safely with loved ones with the warmer weather was precious.
“It’s unbelievable, actually, to be able to come out and spend time with my grandchildren here on the beach,” she said. “It’s been a long time.”
She similarly said it had been easy to maintain distance with others at the beach.
According to the city’s website, Supervision of Sandy Beach takes place from June 25th to Aug. 31, while supervision dates for Boulevard are not yet listed.
