Days after multiple drownings in region, lifeguards now on duty in Port Stanley, Ont.

Lifeguards on duty at Main Beach in Port Stanley, Ont., seen on July 7, 2019. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)

As lifeguards were training on the beach for the upcoming season last week, they were called into action to save two children while drowning.

“They were taking in a lot of water, but lifeguards were doing some training and they went in and they got them to safety,” Murray Decorte, district chief of Central Elgin Fire and Rescue told CTV News on June 22. “Along with fire, they got them out and got them into EMS’ hands and taking both to hospital.”

A week later, the Municipality of Central Elgin announced its lifeguards are now on duty for the summer.

They will supervise designated swim areas at Main Beach in Port Stanley - Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

“Our beaches are a treasured part of summer in Central Elgin, and we’re pleased to welcome back our dedicated team of lifeguards for the summer season,” said Mayor Andrew Sloan in a news release. “We urge all residents and visitors to respect the safety guidelines, swim within the designated areas, and look out for one another while making great memories at our beautiful waterfront this summer.”

There are no lifeguards on duty at Erie Rest, Little Beach, or Pumphouse Beach. However, lifesaving equipment, such as ring buoys and reaching poles, is available at those locations.

For those unfamiliar with swimming conditions, lifeguards use a flag system to identify whether there are unusual hazards. Those range from Green (good conditions) to Double Red (No swimming permitted).

Central Elgin is also asking beach goers to learn about rip currents, which can often push swimmers away from shore.

CTV News spoke with Lifeguard Nathan MacIntyre this week about the dangers of rip currents, which can occur suddenly in the Great Lakes.

“Anything up to your belly button level, you are at risk of being taken by the lake,” said MacIntyre. “When people struggle, they want to swim right back to shore immediately, where they know it’s safe and they’re swimming against the current. Some of the best advice could be counterintuitive, which is relax, flip, float, follow. Flip onto your back, float, conserve your energy because you’re going to need your energy. Allow the current just to take you. If you’re floating, you don’t have to worry about going under the water and try to find a safe space to get out when you can.”