Out-of-towners urged to stay away from southwestern Ontario beaches

People are being urged to avoid southwestern Ontario beaches outside their home residences as the province continues its battle with COVID-19.

"The province has asked us all to stay home, so unless you live down by that beach, you shouldn't be there," said Tom Marks, warden for Central Elgin, which includes popular warm-weather spot Port Stanley.

Although the beaches have not officially been closed, Marks stressed the importance of the government's public health messageto remain at home as much as possible.

Bylaw officers are being trained to deter large gatherings at area beaches in the weeks ahead, and to ensure those who do venture out for a stroll observe social distancing rules at all times, he said.

"We're not chasing people down and finding them, but the consistent message from public health is to stay home unless you're going for essential services. People walking on the beach, as long as they're social distancing, that's all we can ask. I think that the message is coming from the health unit telling people to please stay home, and we're just trying to follow those guidelines."

'We're asking people to stay safe'

On Lake Huron, Lambton Shores Mayor Bill Weber is also telling prospective beach-goers to follow provincial rules.

"We're asking people to stay safe and follow the provincial orders," Weber said. "I don't believe the province has said that the public has to stay in their zone, but we'll get through this a lot quicker if people do that."

The municipality's website, lambtonshores.ca, also asks the public to stick with beaches in theirhome area.

"The Municipality of Lambton Shores reminds the public that a key takeaway from the provincewide order is the importance of not travelling outside your own region unless necessary," the sitereads.

Weber saidhe's frustrated with the small percentage of people who disregard public health guidelines.

• Ontario imposes provincewide 'emergency brake' as 3rd wave of COVID-19 hits hard
• Stay-at-home order needed to control third wave of COVID-19 in Ontario, science advisers say

"Whether they're non-believers or think they won't catch this, those are the ones who are causing us to still be in a lockdown, in my opinion," said Weber. "Those are the folks we need to get the message to, that if they want this to go away, they need to behave for awhile."

Beaches good for mental health:Sarnia mayor

In Sarnia, beaches are operating as usual with the government's health guidelines in place.

Mayor Mike Bradley saidthe waterfront areas remain open to the public, no matter where they come from.

Bradley said he views them as an asset for the public's mental health.

"I often go down to Canatara Beach, and get the opportunity to clean the mind and clean the soul, so I think it's important for people to have that access."

Bradley said that pending any change ingovernmentrules, go ahead andcautiously enjoy the beaches.

"Sand keeps on shifting from the Ontario government on the rules. We believe those beaches are public, we believe those beaches should be accessible," he said. "We just want people to restrict themselves as it relates to distancing."