Heather Wright/The Independent

Shelley Herman says Ipperwash Beach is busier than ever and it is time for Lambton Shores to invest in more services.

Herman, the head of the Central Ipperwash Community Association, said the services at the beach have not kept up with the number of people arriving. And it’s causing safety concerns.

There were two drowning at the Ipperwash earlier this year, which was “very upsetting to our community. It was very traumatic for those residents and visitors that were at the beach.”

Herman says there is no rescue equipment at the beach and the OPP Marine Unit doesn’t patrol the busy waters. Usually, Lambton OPP have to respond in an emergency. “They are not trained in water rescue, and they are not permitted to go in the water. They’re there for recovery.”

She says volunteer firefighters also respond but “They have to be called. They have to get there. In many, many cases, they are not going to get there in time for an actual rescue.”

The association would like to see more education about water safety using signs with QR codes at the beach and more messaging on social media. She also suggested signs giving specific locations and providing basic equipment like life saving rings. 

Herman says the association would also like to have a discussion with the OPP Marine Unit about coverage in the area.

“We have dozens of stories we could tell you when people jump in their Sea Doo or get on their kayak because a parent is screaming on the beach and they want to help with that rescue, but we really don’t want to have to rely on someone with a watercraft just having to be there at the right place in the right time.”

The association is also looking for parking enforcement particularly for cars parking on the roads.

The association also wants more porta-potties which should be cleaned daily in peak season to prevent people from running up the dunes to find a place to relieve themselves. “It’s not a healthy situation.”

Herman says it would cost about $1,500 to rent more washrooms for the summer. 

Council has asked staff to bring back a report on the group’s concerns.