Waterfront Development
Developing or modernizing a public waterfront requires consideration of many factors to create a bathing area that is safe, functional and suited to its environment.
The Lifesaving Society supports municipalities, managers and organizations from the earliest stages of their projects, whether selecting a site, developing a new bathing area or improving an existing facility.
Every natural environment has its own unique characteristics.
Support may cover various aspects related to the development, operation and safety of the site, including:
The physical characteristics of the site and bathing area;
Development of the shoreline, waterfront and water access points;
Boundaries and signage for the bathing area;
Rescue and communication equipment;
Water quality and hygiene practices;
Site maintenance and operations;
Organization of supervision and rescue operations;
Other factors that may affect the safety of people using the site.
The objective is to help those responsible for the project make informed decisions and integrate safety considerations from the earliest stages of bathing area design.
The Lifesaving Society’s expertise can also support the planning of complementary or non-traditional aquatic features.
Adding an inflatable aquatic course to a bathing area requires careful consideration of its location, use and supervision.
Support may include planning the organization of supervision and rescue operations based on the course configuration and how it is integrated into the bathing area.
An open-water swimming area or lane can provide a designated space for swimming in a natural environment.
The Lifesaving Society can assist with the development, boundaries and signage of the area, taking into account the characteristics of the environment and other activities taking place on the body of water.
Bathing facilities developed in natural environments may have characteristics that do not fully correspond to those of a traditional pool or waterfront.
An assessment tailored to the specific setting can help identify site-specific issues and recommend measures to support safer development and operations.
Every project comes with its own realities and challenges. An initial consultation provides an opportunity to clarify needs, assess the type of support required and determine the next steps.