September 19, 2015
1482
Graham Hancock of Kincardine is wondering who would steal four memorial white crosses from Station Beach, Kincardine, just 24 hours after they were placed there in memory of those who had drowned in Lake Huron, just off this beach.
The simple markers were put up Thursday, to commemorate the four drownings over the past seven years. By Friday, they were gone.
Kincardine chief administrative officer Murray Clarke confirmed that the municipality did not remove them. Kincardine is currently working with the Royal Lifesaving Society on a safety audit for this section of beach.
"It is a sad commentary on our community and particularly on the lack of respect for the victims of drowning at Station Beach," said Hancock, whose brother, Michael, was one of the victims.
He said the white crosses did not even begin to tell the full meaning of the lives that were lost and the pain that is felt by the loved ones left behind.
"They were both a commemoration of those lost and a warning to those who come to the beach," said Hancock. "All swimmers must beware of the spectacular power of the lake; the lake means business and its rip current can take a life in moments. We must understand when and where it is safe to swim and when it is not safe at all.
"When I see white crosses at the side of the road, a chill goes up my spine and I check my speed and consider the hazards. White crosses at Station Beach might help just one individual think twice about swimming when and where it is not safe to do so. White crosses should also make the rest of us consider whether we are doing enough to keep more precious lives from being lost in the dangerous waters of Station Beach."
The issue of safety at Station Beach, Kincardine, came to the forefront, following the Aug. 2 drowning of Lucas Johnson of Goderich.
Hancock said that concerned citizens, a local business owner, and grieving loved ones made delegations to council at the Sept. 2 meeting.
"They were all looking for prompt and meaningful actions to improve water safety at our beaches in the wake of the most recent drowning of Lucas Johnson," he said. "The requests and the recommendations of all three delegations were summarily rejected, with no questions and negligible discussion by council members. Council did choose to respond to an ultimatum from the Blue Flag organization to conduct a water safety audit under threat of losing the Blue Flag designation in 2016. This constitutes the minimal action that can be taken by council at this time. This further postpones potential lifesaving measures the municipality could be making at Station Beach immediately."
Hancock is disheartened by the actions of council, noting that it has chosen to sit on its haunches and wait for months for a report from an outside organization when it could start immediately planning and working with community stakeholders.
"We have plenty of Kincardine-based resources: municipal staff, partner organizations and community members, who know this lake better than others," he said. "What we don't have are council members and a mayor with the political will to take action on this most serious issue."
Four white memorial crosses were placed along Station Beach, Kincardine, Thursday, but had disappeared by Friday; photo by Graham Hancock
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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