Since the tragic death by drowning of James Badgely last month at Point Petre, the Ministry of Environment, Culture and Parks is considering signage warning swimmers of dangerous undertows at the entrances to the new Monarch Point Conservation Reserve.

But longtime water-safety advocate John Watt, who once served as a lifeguard at Sandbanks Provincial Park, says it’s more of the same from a government that isn’t serious about preventing drownings in public swimming areas throughout Ontario.

Of the $38 million earmarked for the creation of Monarch Point Conservation Reserve, Mr. Watt wondered how much would target water safety — if any. He suggested the public will have to demand safety measures for the popular swimming spot by way of the management plan, which must seek public input.

The former Director of Parks and Recreation for Sidney Township in the 1970’s said drownings occur across the province every week in the summertime, but even serious recommendations from the Ontario Coroner 15 years ago haven’t stemmed the tide. 

Coroner Dr. Bert Lauwers is quoted in a 2011 Globe & Mail article regarding an Ontario Coroner’s Office report on drownings. The report strongly recommended that public parks and beaches in Ontario post strong warning signage and that flags be displayed when rough weather is expected.

Mr. Watt himself has campaigned for lifeguards at provincial swimming areas for 40 years. He put billboards demanding lifeguards at the entrance to Wasaga Beach, paying for them himself.

“With Mr. Badgley’s recent drowning and numerous losses of life in this area prior to it, warning signs should already be in place. With swimmers still drowning all over Ontario, poor, weak or even in some places, no signage, to me is just gross negligence on the part of the province.”

Perils at the Point

With its gorgeous views, trails, low foot traffic, flat rocks and generous access to long stretches of empty shoreline, the crown land in Athol has long been a favoured place for a cool dip during the high heat of a County summer.

But the Point has never been without its perils. The isolated shorelines feature countless drop offs, where limestone ledges give way, from a depth of two feet to ten within half a step. As the summer wanes and westerly winds pound the South Shore in August, rip tides, cross currents and dangerous undertows develop. The waves churn over the rocky lake bed, and often tranquil water turns treacherous. Behind every slippery misstep, danger lurks. The lengthy list of swimmers sucked under the surface during heavy winds and waves grows every year.

On the evening of August 3, Mr. Badgley was swimming with family members at the Point and noticed his nephew start to struggle in the waves about 75 feet from shore. He swam out to retrieve him, bringing him close to shore, where he safely exited the water. Mr. Badgely himself, however, was pulled under the surface. His body was only recovered early the next morning.

Not a “Designated Swimming Area”

“The recent incident at Monarch Point Conservation Reserve was a tragedy. Ontario Parks wants everyone to have fun in the water and that starts with safety,” said MOECP Spokesperson Gary Wheeler. 

“We encourage visitors to swim in designated swimming areas and wear a personal flotation device if they are not strong swimmers, or to stay out of the water.”

Mr. Wheeler acknowledged a variety of water-based activities occur just off the shores of the Monarch Point Conservation Reserve, but noted the area is not a designated swimming area.

 “We are in the early stages of management planning to establish site-specific policies for the conservation reserve, which will include opportunities for public input. As part of this process, the Ministry may consider the installation of warning signage to inform visitors of unsafe conditions.”

Mr. Watt was part of a crew of roving lifeguards who worked at Sandbanks and other parks across the provinces when the Ministry of Natural Resources still had trained staff to monitor the waters and conduct rescues and offer first aid. He last visited in 2019, to deliver his lifeguard advocacy message to local users of Sandbanks and North Beach. 

He recalled the story of Javaughn Black, a 7-year-old Jamaican visiting Ontario who drowned in the waves at Sandbanks in 2018.

Mr. Watt believes the province needs to bring lifeguards to public beaches and swimming areas immediately. Unofficial swimming areas, such as those of Monarch Point, require signage in multiple languages to make clear the dangers of entering the water in adverse weather and high winds.

Mr. Watt said the government’s conservation effort at the point is laudable. But when it comes to public safety, the Ministry has failed to warn visitors of the potentially hazardous conditions in Lake Ontario.

“Especially when life threatening conditions on rough days produce undertows and rip currents in the fast, deep drop offs,” Mr. Watt said.

“I know this may not be a Parks Ontario designated swimming area — but the reality is that the public swims here. A number of lives have been lost and, sadly, more tragedy is yet to come. Communicating dangerous water conditions to visitors every single day is absolutely critical.”

A Quiet year…So Far

The loss of Mr. Badgely is believed to be the only drowning in local waters in 2024. That’s just luck. Generally as many as five people drown off the shores of the County every year.

Community Services Officer Aaron Miller’s notes, “Weather conditions can change very quickly and water can be very unpredictable. Areas around Prince Edward County can be especially aggressive in dangerous conditions. Please stay safe and always have a plan. This plan can include having a PFD of appropriate size. And always check conditions before heading out.”