Ottawa commissions safety audits at all beaches following recent drownings [Video]

All City of Ottawa beaches will undergo safety audits this summer to ensure they are meeting safety standards for swimmers.

The city has commissioned the Lifesaving Society to undertake a safety audit at Britannia, Mooney’s Bay, Westboro and Petrie Island beaches this summer, with a report to be presented to councillors in the fall.

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The audit comes after the Office of the Chief Coroner recommended a safety audit at all beaches following the death of a nine-year-old boy at Britannia Beach in June. The Coroner’s Office also issued a series of recommendations last year after investigating three drownings at the west end beach between 2020 and 2023.

“The audit is scheduled to take place this August before the closure of beaches, with a report back to the City anticipated in the fall,” Dan Chenier, general …