HAY RIVER (June 2, 2014) – As of June 21, beach attendants will be on the Hay River Territorial park beach, providing supervision and educating beachgoers about the importance of water safety. The Town of Hay River will manage the contract to provide supervision at Hay River Territorial Park beach.

“Water safety is a shared responsibility for all of us and I would like to thank the Town of Hay River for showing such leadership and dedication to public safety,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “We encourage parents and guardians to stay within arm’s reach of young children, even when beach attendants are present, to help ensure our territorial parks beaches are as safe as possible for everyone.”

“The town is pleased to enter into this partnership with the GNWT and is committed to ensuring the safety of our community members as they enjoy one of the north premier waterfronts,” said Mayor of Hay River Andrew Cassidy.

Recruitment and management of beach attendants will be handled by the Town of Hay River. Beach attendants will provide supervision from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm seven days a week. The Lifesaving Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories will train the beach attendants and the Department of ITI will supply all required safety equipment.

Having beach attendants is one step ITI is taking to increase water safety within territorial parks. It is part of a broader water safety campaign, which also includes increased safety signage, construction of permanent lifejacket loaner stations and providing beach safety equipment. The water safety awareness campaign will run throughout the summer.

For more information:

Andrew Cassidy
Mayor, Town of Hay River
Tel: (867) 874-6522

Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696