Aquatic Facilities

Tecumseh Pool is now closed for the season. Thank you to the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario on their partnership for a successful season at the Cox Community Centre Tecumseh Pool.

Delivering on their long-standing track record of aquatic excellence, the YMCA operates the City facility.

Pricing

To ensure everyone can access the pool the City is subsidizing rates for pool patrons, keeping prices at:

• $2 per person for open swims
• $2 per person for aquafit classes
• $6 for families of three or more
• $45 for swimming lessons

Schedules and updates

For a full schedule and updates, please visit the YMCA Jerry McCaw Family Centre Facebook Page.

Swimming lessons and aquatic programming

For information for pool programs, including swimming lessons, and to register, please visit the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Website.

The splash pad is now closed for the remainder of the year. Thank you for a great season and we will see you again in 2024!

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 4, 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.

The City’s Blue Flag status at Canatara Beach isn’t just about water quality, it also includes requirements to protect the waterfront environment.

Part of that is leaving natural debris like plant matter and driftwood as important components of the environment and food chain. The beach is a living ecosystem, and invasive grooming can repress dunes and grasses further impacting the environment, kicking up sand causing it to blow away.

Other beaches (not supervised – no lifeguards present):
– 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.

Many of our beach rules, such as a prohibition on pets and driving, are in place to protect sensitive environmental areas and water quality. Beach rules include:

• No Glass
• No Smoking
• No BBQs or Cooking
• No Pets
• No driving / motorized vehicles
• No diving / jumping from the groynes
• No large umbrellas that obstruct the view of lifeguards
• No littering, please use on-site receptacles
• Stay out of dune grass and roped off areas to protect the ecosystem that helps maintain our beach

Please be aware and conscious of the Lake Huron and St. Clair River currents and be prepared or swim within the designated lifeguard sections at Canatara Beach 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

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.