June 2, 2026
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The Municipality of Kincardine will officially launch the new real-time beach safety signal at Station Beach, June 12.
Following a testing and calibration period, the light will become fully-operational that day, providing beach-goers with current swimming condition information throughout the summer. The initiative is part of the Smart Beach program, which aims to improve waterfront safety through data, technology, and public education.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at Station Beach. The event will include remarks from representatives of Regional Tourism Organization 7, SwimSmart Technology LLC, the Municipality of Kincardine, and the Kincardine Beach Safety Group. The ceremony will also include the dedication of two memorial benches, recognizing families affected by drowning tragedies and their contributions to advancing beach safety awareness.
The new system uses a simple, colour-coded light display — green, yellow, and red — to communicate current swimming conditions based on real-time environmental data. Located at the main beach entrance, the signal provides accessible, up-to-date information to help beach-goers make informed decisions before entering the water.
“This project reflects a strong commitment to safety and innovation in our community,” said mayor Kenneth Craig. “Through collaboration with our partners and the dedication of local volunteers, we’re proud to introduce Canada’s first Smart Beach Light, a tool that helps people better understand changing lake conditions and make safer choices.”
The Smart Beach program is delivered in partnership with the University of Waterloo and supported by technology from SwimSmart Technology LLC. The initiative builds on several years of research at Station Beach, including data collection, modelling, and studies on beach-user behaviour.
The municipality also recognizes the important role of the Beach Safety Group in advocating for improved waterfront safety and supporting community awareness efforts.
Beach-goers are encouraged to make checking the safety signal part of their routine when visiting Station Beach.
CHECK THE LIGHTS. THEN DECIDE
Conditions on Lake Huron can change quickly. Visitors are encouraged to check the signal before entering the water — and to check again throughout their visit.
Throughout the summer, the Municipality will be sharing safety messaging and awareness campaigns during key periods, including long weekends and National Drowning Prevention Week, to help reinforce safe practices at the beach.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to share the message and help build a culture of safety along Kincardine’s waterfront.
Smart Beach is a research and innovation program focused on improving beach safety through real-time monitoring, predictive modelling, and public education. The program brings together municipalities, researchers, and technology partners to better understand and respond to surf-related hazards in Great Lakes communities.
At Station Beach, the program also includes voluntary surveys and observational research, led by the University of Waterloo, to better understand how beach-goers respond to safety information. Findings will help inform future improvements to beach safety initiatives in Kincardine and other lakefront communities.
For more information about the Smart Beach Light at Station Beach, visit www.kincardine.ca/smartbeach.
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