With warm weather forecast for this weekend, Richmond lifeguards will be perched on their high lifeguard chairs at Garry Point Park, noodles in hand.
But they won’t be watching swimmers, rather they have been seconded to help remind park users of physical distancing orders in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Lifeguards will also be at Minoru Park, and Britannia Shipyards/Imperial Landing –this time, not in high lifeguard chairs. They will be milling about reminding people to keep a safe distance given orders from provincial health officials.
Two lifeguards will be stationed at each location from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The noodles will be used to demonstrate and reinforce the required two-metre distance mandatory for anyone using the parks and walking tracks.
The lifeguards are not bylaw enforcement officers and won’t issue tickets or threaten users who refuse to comply with physical distancing rules, explained Richmond city spokesperson Clay Adams.
“We hope through education, a positive manner and good nature, they will spread the word and help people enjoy our amazing outdoor sites safely during this challenging time,” Adams added.
