Petawawa Point Beach Safety
Petawawa Point Beach is a beautiful and popular public space along the Ottawa River. With its scenic views, sandy shoreline, and a busy boat launch, it’s a favourite spot for residents and visitors to cool off during the summer months.
Your safety is important to us. We want every visit to Petawawa Point Beach to be enjoyable, memorable, and above all — safe. Please review and share the safety information below to help ensure a responsible and fun experience for everyone.
Unsupervised Beach – Swim at Your Own Risk
Petawawa Point Beach is an unsupervised public beach.
There are no lifeguards on duty, and swimming is at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
Water Safety Considerations
The beach is located on the Ottawa River, which presents unique safety risks:
- Strong currents and hidden hazards such as rocks and sudden drop-offs may be present.
- The area experiences high boat traffic from the public boat launch and surrounding waterfront properties.
Important: Avoid the Boat Channel
- Areas marked with red and green buoys indicate the boating channel — this area is not safe for swimmers.
- These buoys guide motorized watercraft and help avoid navigational hazards.
- Do not enter the boating channel or attempt to swim across to Blueberry Island.
- The section of water between Petawawa Point and Blueberry Island is known to have strong current and undertow, making it dangerous even for experienced swimmers.
- This area also has low visibility for boaters, increasing the risk of watercraft-swimmer collisions.
Water Safety Tips
To keep yourself and others safe, please follow these guidelines:
- Swim with a buddy – never swim alone.
- Know your limits – stay within your swimming ability.
- Watch the weather – storms and wind can quickly create dangerous conditions.
- Supervise children closely – always keep them within arm’s reach.
- Wear a life jacket – especially for children or weaker swimmers.
- Avoid alcohol – it impairs judgment and coordination.
- Learn lifesaving skills – first aid and water safety knowledge can save lives.
