YELLOWKNIFE (July 5, 2013) – The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) is undertaking a review of the use of the beaches at Fred Henne and Hay River Territorial Parks.

“Last week our community faced the tragic loss of a young boy at Long Lake,” said Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister David Ramsay.  “We offer our sincere condolences to his family during this extremely difficult time.”

ITI has contracted the Life Saving Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories to perform an audit of the beaches in both Fred Henne and Hay River Territorial Parks.  The department is concentrating on these locations because these beaches are within municipal boundaries and in close proximity to large populations. 

The Life Saving Society’s audit will take place within the next two weeks and will address the use of lifeguards, beach size and access, park numbers and usage, signage, and supervision.  Audit results will inform the review of beach usage that the department is conducting and provide valuable information about possible safety enhancements.

ITI has also met with City of Yellowknife officials and is committed to working together to coordinate efforts going forward. The department thanks members of the public for their interest in protecting swimmers at NWT beaches this summer, but asks that they contact ITI to discuss plans for any actions with the department in advance.

The safety of users at Territorial Parks is a top priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories and it will continue its efforts to promote and educate the public in the importance of water safety.

For more information contact: 

Sonya Saunders
Director, Policy, Legislation and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-873-7903