Beach season has officially arrived in Toronto, with lifeguards now on duty at ten different beaches across the city. After a spring that residents say has felt long and cold, the waterfront is open for business again, even if not everyone has got the memo just yet.
Conditions at the water are being signalled with green flags, which mean the water is clean and safe to enter. The catch is the temperature. Even with the flags flying, the water is still pretty cold, a reminder that the calendar has moved ahead of the season.
Mayor Olivia Chow is encouraging people to make the most of it. She has invited residents to come down at any time of the day, pointing to spots such as Marie Curtis Park, which she visits herself as a kayaker, and noting how many families are already there. Her message came with a simple reminder to be safe.
For many residents, the opening of the beaches is a welcome turning point after the long, cold spring. One described the waterfront as inviting, saying that as long as the sun is out the cold does not matter, and that on a summer day it can almost feel like being on vacation without leaving the city.
Not everyone, though, was ready to take the plunge. On Saturday, several people stayed firmly on dry land, with one beachgoer explaining that they had only tested the water with their feet and found them going numb after just a few minutes in the lake.
For those who would rather skip the chilly waves altogether, relief is on the way. Early pool openings are due to go in next weekend, giving residents another option to cool off as the city eases into the warmer months.