Lakeview Park Beach
Lifeguards
From the third Monday in June until Labour Day, lifeguards are at Lakeview Park Beach East from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. Lakeview Park Beach West is not supervised by lifeguards. For safety reasons, beachgoers should only swim in supervised areas.
Heat alerts, rain, or air temperatures falling below 18°C may adjust supervision schedules.
The Lifesaving Society certifies and tests lifeguards annually on waterfront rescues.
The role of the lifeguard includes:
- Providing public education
- Patrolling the beach on foot and in towers
- Inspecting the beach for hazards
- Administering first-aid
- Performing water rescues
Personal watercraft (e.g. motorboats, jet skis, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, etc.) are not allowed in the Lakeview Park Beach East swim area.
Extended supervision due to heat alerts
Lakeview Park Beach East and splash pads will extend their hours and remain open until dusk, during seasonal operating hours, when Environment Canada issues a heat alert, weather permitting.
Rain or air temperatures falling below 18°C may adjust supervision schedules.
Beach flag system and water safety guidelines
For the safety of community members, Lakeview Park Beach East uses a beach flag system. Many beaches in Canada use this system to inform the community of water conditions.
If there is a flag or sign you do not understand, always ask a lifeguard.
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
|
Swim zone flags |
Lifeguards will mark the supervised swim zone each day with two red and yellow flags at the limit of the zone. It is always best to swim between these flags. Lifeguards know the swim area for drop-offs, depth and other hazards. |
|
Hazard flags |
Lifeguards will fly coloured flags on the back of the guard towers to indicate the water conditions.
|
National Drowning Prevention Week
The City, in collaboration with Lifesaving Society Canada, hosts events every summer to educate community members on water safety and drowning prevention.
Safe swimming guidelines
Swimming injuries, drownings and deaths are preventable by following these simple safety rules:
- Swim only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards
- Lakeview Park Beach East is supervised by lifeguards from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., weather permitting
- Lakeview Park Beach West is not supervised
- Swim with a friend - never swim alone
- Supervise children at all times and always stay within arm's reach
- Wear a lifejacket
- Stay within the designated swimming area and do not exceed your swimming ability
- Check for hazards every time before you enter the water
- Swim only in daylight
Environmental conditions
While visiting Lakeview Park Beach East, you may encounter a variety of environmental factors that you should be aware of, including:
- Water quality issues
- Poor weather conditions
- Daily sun ultraviolet (U.V.) exposure index
Water quality
Check the Lakeview Park Beach East water conditions at the Durham Region Health Department beach water reading to ensure it is safe to swim.
The Durham Region Health Department tests waters at Lakeview Park Beach East as part of its beach monitoring program. The water tests check for high levels of harmful bacteria. The results are posted to ensure beach visitors know which beaches are safe for swimming.
Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that can be harmful to humans and animals. During warm periods or after heavy rainfalls, an algae bloom may rapidly occur, causing hazardous swimming conditions. Water quality advisory signs will be posted as a precaution, when the Durham Region Health Department or water quality testing conducted by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (M.E.C.P.) confirms the presence of blue-green algae.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks can provide more information about blue-green algae. Call the Province's Spill Action Centre at 416-325-3000 or 1-800-268-6060 or the Durham Region Health Department's Environmental Help Line to report blue-green algae blooms.
Poor weather conditions
During poor weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, hail, high winds, thunder or lightning, conditions may become unfavourable for swimming. During supervised hours, lifeguards will follow procedures to close the waterfront area to ensure that the swimmers evacuate the water area. Lifeguards will not remain on duty during severe weather conditions.
Check the weather before visiting the beach and monitor changing conditions.
Sun safety
The sun at Lakeview Park Beach can be intense, be cautious when spending long periods outdoors. Any sun injury enough to cause tanning will increase your risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Before visiting the beach, check the U.V. index to limit your exposure to the sun. Bring plenty of sunscreen, water for hydration, protective clothing and sunglasses
Please refer to the Durham Region Health Department for sun safety tips and more information to stay safe at the beach.
Beach amenities and accessibility
Lakeview Park Beach East is a sandy beach located on the shore of Lake Ontario within Lakeview Park, a popular destination offering museums, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, and a waterfront pier. In addition, there are three beach volleyball courts available for rent. Washrooms are open when lifeguards are on duty.
Lifejacket Loaner Program 
The City of Oshawa, in collaboration with HOPA, offers a Lifejacket Loaner Program at Lakeview Park Beach East. The program runs from the third Monday in June until Labour Day each year.
Beach goers can borrow lifejackets throughout the day at no additional cost. To borrow one, just look for the Lifejacket Loaner Station sign near the beach hut. A wide selection of lifejackets in various sizes and styles, including both vest and keyhole designs will be available. Please note that availability of lifejackets may vary depending on the day and time.
This service is also available outside lifeguard hours of operation. However, during supervised beach hours, additional lifejackets will be made available by the lifeguards. Lifejackets must be returned to the lifeguard office after use.
Beach goers should note that while lifejackets are an important tool, they cannot replace the need for direct supervision and Water Smart Education.
Access mat
Beach access mats are secured into the boardwalk and bolted down in the sand. These highly durable mats make the beach accessible for people with mobility aids. City staff maintain the mats daily.
Beach volleyball courts
Contact the Facility Booking Office for more information on booking the beach volleyball courts.