Sign our petition online at:Â http://goo.gl/YZh9H
The Gull Lake Rotary Park Beach is one of the gems of Gravenhurst!
Visit any weekday morning and dozens of children are taking swimming lessons. Visit on a hot, humid afternoon and thankful residents and visitors are enjoying the water. During the summer months, from 1 to 5 p.m. , it is one of the safest places in Muskoka because the town of Gravenhurst employs lifeguards to ensure everyone’s safety, and to make the beach a family friendly destination.
Keeping a watchful eye on the swimmers at Gull Lake Park
Yet, last year Town Council considered eliminating this wonderful service and I understand that Council will once again debate this issue during the fall budget meetings.
To eliminate the lifeguards would be a tremendous loss for the town.Â
Gravenhurst is situated on two lakes and Gull Lake Park is the only place children can learn to swim in a lake, a very different skill than swimming in a pool. Many working parents feel confident in sending their older children alone to swim at the Beach precisely because they know it is guarded.
If the lifeguards are no longer employed, the town will also have to remove the swimming docks, which will certainly result in creating a more dangerous swimming environment. Losing the docks would also destroy the wonderful community atmosphere that is so prevalent at the beach.
Also, did you know the lifeguards spent fifteen minutes every morning cleaning the beach and the environment? Cigarette butts, beer cans, goose feces top the list of the collectibles! The lifeguards bring in a fair percentage of their wages through the fees charged for the swimming lessons they teach. They provide an invaluable service.
Last year alone there were two near drownings along with a few serious medical emergencies, all handled with true professionalism by the lifeguards.
The Town of Gravenhurst should keep this beautiful little beach safe, clean and the site of community pride! Please let the Town Council know of your concern by contacting your Councillors Randy Jorgensen (rjorgensen@gravenhurst.ca)Â & Heidi Lorenz (hlorenz@gravenhurst.ca)!
Please sign our petition to keep our community safe:Â http://goo.gl/YZh9H
Elizabeth Palatics – GSLRA Member &Â Resident of Silver Lake