Beach Safety Officers (BSO's) won't be patrolling Colert Beach in Morden this summer.

Due to limited staff, Morden's Community Services have decided against having BSO's, and Recreation Programmer Stephanie Dueck says even when a BSO's were on duty the beach has always been swim at your own risk.

"Providing BSO's was a good service, but at times it may have been giving people a false sense of security that they're kids are being watched by BSO's. Really it's still the responsibility of caregivers to be watching their children when close to water."

In response to the lack of BSO's this year, Dueck says they have begun to promote their life jacket lending program. Free life jackets will be lent daily to young children from 11 am to 4 pm, weather permitting, and she explains life jackets are one of the best ways to reduce the risk of drowning.

Another way is through their swimming lessons offered throughout summer, and Dueck says slots are still available.

She notes the city will be hosting a water safety day which will be announced at a later date.