Advisory Committee meeting June 16, 2016

The NCC held the first progress check-in meeting with the Advisory Group on June 16. We felt that it was a productive meeting. A number of issues were discussed and recommendations made on how the project can be improved in advance of the anticipated increase in the number of swimmers as the weather gets warmer and the border restrictions are lifted.

Overall, it appears that most swimmers are complying with the new rules, when they are made aware of them. Some swimmers were not aware of the pilot project but when it was explained to them it was well received. There are others, however, who remain unaware or who are aware but have chosen to ignore the rules. The NCC explained that it these outliers who will be targeted by the enforcement authorities if they continue to deliberately ignore the rules. NCOWSA encourages everyone to follow the rules: make yourself visible by wearing a brightly coloured swim cap and use a tow-float; swim within the designated swim corridors or within 30 metres of the shoreline; avoid the island off Blanchet; and respect residents' private property. These are not difficult rules to follow, so please don't ignore them. It may lead to further restrictions on an activity that we all love to engage in.

NCOWSA has recommended improvements in on-beach signage; has committed to continue its awareness outreach to the OWS community through this social media channel and through our website; will help develop metrics to measure progress and success of the project; and will work with NCC staff to reconfigure the swim corridors to more closely align with the way that open water swimmers actually swim.

All parties--NCC, residents, and the open water swimming community--are committed to making this project work to the satisfaction of all sides. Your cooperation in helping to make this happen is appreciated.