Beachgoers need to stay at least four metres apart

SASKATOON Anyone headed to one of Saskatchewan’s smaller beaches on Friday should probably try to get there early.

The Saskatchewan government released rules this week to allow outdoor playgrounds, parks and beaches to open starting Friday during the COVID -19 pandemic.

The rules for beaches include a requirement that beach towels and gear for each group be set up four metres apart — about the length of a small car — to allow others to maintain a two-metre distance when passing by.

Jeanette Martin, who owns Martin’s Store in Goodsoil just south of Meadow Lake Provincial Park, said she thinks that distance requirement will work at the park’s beaches on most weekends.

“There’ll be enough room for that on most beaches around here,” Martin said in an interview on Tuesday.

“It won’t be enough for the July long weekend or the August long weekend.”

Martin added she’s “thrilled” the beaches will open, even though a half-capacity restriction at campgrounds will mean substantially less business.

Sharon Hofer, who owns Kimball Lake Store on one of the province’s most highly rated beaches in the provincial park, decided in April to keep the store closed after the campground capacity was announced.

“Whether the beaches are open or not, I’m still not going to be opening the store,” Hofer said in an interview. The store, which she has operated for 22 years, sold ice cream to beachgoers and rented canoes, fishing boats and paddleboards.

Even though Hofer’s store will stay closed, boat rentals are allowed under the new rules, provided they are cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Play equipment in water is also allowed, provided there are measures to ensure social distancing.

Groups are limited to 30 outdoors in Phase 3 of the government’s reopening plan; limits for gatherings apply on beaches, too. Events are banned, however.

Outdoor showers are allowed, but indoor showers and change rooms must stay closed. Washrooms can open with increased cleaning.

Beachgoers are advised to clean their hands often, and those feeling ill are advised to stay away. That advice also applies to people who plan to visit parks and playgrounds on Friday.

Visitors to playgrounds and parks are not supposed to share toys or other recreational equipment between groups from different households or extended households.

People are advised to visit parks and playgrounds close to their homes, but are also told to reconsider plans if playground equipment or park space is busy.

The rules order increased cleaning and disinfecting of shared spaces. Cloth masks are mentioned as an “additional measure” to protect others when physical distancing is “unpredictable.”