Feeling the heat? Here’s where to cool down in Barrie

A busy Centennial Beach at Barrie's waterfront. (CTV News/David Sullivan)

With a heat warning in place and the humidex feeling closer to 40 degrees on Sunday, many residents will be looking for places to cool off.

Barrie’s four beaches are open for the season.

• Centennial Beach, 65 Lakeshore Drive
• Lifeguards on duty 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily.
• Johnson’s Beach, 2 Johnson Street
• Lifeguards on duty 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily.
• Minet’s Point Beach, 10 Lismer Boulevard
• No lifeguards
• Tyndale Beach, 45 Tyndale Road
• No lifeguards

Parents and guardians are reminded that children require direct supervision when at the beach.

Splash pads at Heritage Park and Lampman Park are also open for the season, however the splash pad at Heritage Park is closed for repairs according to the City of Barrie website

During the summer season, the Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) or lifejacket loaner program allows visitors to borrow lifejackets for free (a deposit is required). PFDs are available from the lifeguard office at Centennial Beach and Johnson’s Beach, seven days a week between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

to ensure Barrie’s beaches are safe for swimming, weekly water samples are analyzed by the health unit. During humid weather or after storms, watch for warnings that will be posted at designated swimming beaches when bacteria levels exceed provincial guidelines.

Beach-goers can check the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit beach water testing results before heading to the beach.