Aquatic Facilities

Thanks to a partnership with the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario the Cox Community Centre Tecumseh Pool is open from July 1 to August 27.

Public swimming, lessons, and Aquafit programming are all available through the YMCA. Day passes and 10-visit family swim passes are available. Subsidies are available through the Sarnia-Lambton YMCA.

Free sponsored swims will be hosted every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The YMCA strives to ensure programs and services are accessible for everyone as part of its mission to build healthy communities. Financial assistance is available for swimming lessons and for 10-visit swim passes. Assistance can be obtained by calling YMCA Jerry McCaw Family Centre or speaking to someone at the pool.

For more information on public swimming including schedules and updates / cancellations please contact the Sarnia-Lambton YMCA website.

Swimming lessons and aquatic programming

For information for pool programs, including swimming lessons, and to register, please visit the Sarnia-Lambton YMCA website.

Head over to Tecumseh Park to beat the heat with a newly expanded and accessible splash pad featuring four new water features.

The splash pad is free to access and open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily at Tecumseh Park and will be open from May 20 until September 8, 2023. There is no admission fee.

Lifeguards will be on patrol at Canatara Beach beginning June 24, 2023 until August 27, 2023 seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Canatara Beach is one of only 27 beaches in Canada to have earned official Blue Flag status for its commitment to adhere to strict water quality and a number of other criteria. It has held this title since 2014. The beach is nearly a kilometer in length, and the space close to the stationed chairs are monitored by trained lifeguards every season. It also features rubber mat walkways to make the beach more accessible to people using wheelchairs or strollers.

Other beaches:
– Bright’s Grove Beach
– Mike Weir Beach and more.

Beach Rules

We ask any visitors to please review the Parks By-Law for any and all rules regarding visiting any public Park and/or Beach space within the City of Sarnia. Common rules to note include:
– No Glass
– No Smoking
– No BBQs or Cooking
– No Pets

Please be aware and conscious of the Lake Huron and St. Clair River currents, and be prepared or swim within the designated Lifeguard sections if you are concerned.

Lambton Public Health runs water quality monitoring programs at Bright’s Grove (including Mike Weir Park) and Canatara Park public beaches.

Beach-goers will be able to access water quality results from Lambton Public Health’s predictive beach-water sampling system and water sample lab analysis.

For water quality status reports:
– Text the word beach to 226-909-3003
– Call Beach InfoLine 519-383-3816, toll-free 1-800-667-1839 x3816
– Website LambtonPublicHealth.ca

Beach Bumz operates out of Canatara Park (beside the lifeguard shack) and at Kenwick Park in Bright’s Grove. They can be contacted in person at each location, by phone at 519-381-7176 / 1-855-383-7433 or on their Facebook page.

The Canoe and Kayak Launch is now open for the 2023 season.

The brand new Accessibly Canoe and Kayak Launch was installed in Centennial Park in 2020, and allows citizens of all ages and abilities to launch their canoes or kayaks into the Sarnia Bay and St. Clair River. The launch is entirely free to use, and features an extendable bench seat to assist in getting in and out of a kayak. A floating platform with rollers makes entering and exiting the water much easier. The area includes an “EZ-Dock” that is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Located beside the Suncor Agora in Centennial Park, straight ahead from Maxwell Street off of Front Street.

By Using the Launch, You Agree to Follow These Rules:
– Recreational Kayaking & Canoeing is permitted from May to mid-October.
– There will be no motor vehicle access to the launch.
– Non-motorized watersport equipment only.
– No fishing from the launch.
– No feeding ducks or geese.
– No alcoholic beverages.
– Plan your trip.
– Wear your life jacket.
– Know water conditions and your paddling capabilities.
– Be a good outdoor steward – use garbage/recycling cans provided. Do not disturb plants or wildlife.

Please read any signage posted at the Launch.

Private Rentals
Border Pass operates out of the Andrew S. Brandt Marina at Sarnia Bay. They can be reached at 519-328-3070, and are open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, weather permitting.