Smart Beach Light at Station Beach

Smart Beach Light System

A Smarter Way to Enjoy the Beach

As part of the Smart Beach program, the Municipality of Kincardine is introducing a real-time beach warning system at Station Beach. This system uses a simple green, yellow, and red light to show current waterfront conditions and help beachgoers make informed decisions before entering the water.

Powered by SwimSmart technology and nearshore modelling from the University of Waterloo, the system combines real-time data with a solar-powered FlashBoard display to communicate current swimming conditions in a clear, easy-to-understand way.

The signal will be located at the main beach entrance from the parking lot on the beach side. Please refer to the map below for its exact location.

Installation is expected in early May, followed by an initial calibration period of approximately two weeks. During this time, the system will be tested and adjusted and should not be relied upon for swimming decisions. The sign will be covered or marked “Testing in Progress.”

Once operational, beachgoers are encouraged to check the signal before entering the water and to check it regularly throughout their visit. Check the Lights. Then Decide.

Real-time beach warning system

The system integrates multiple real-time data sources, including:

  • Offshore wave and buoy data
  • Wind speed and direction
  • Water and current conditions
  • Nearshore modelling outputs developed by the University of Waterloo

This data is processed through a predictive model and translated into a clear, public-facing signal.

Swim Conditions Lights

  •       Red – High Hazard: Exercise Extreme Caution
  •       Yellow – Medium Hazard: Exercise Increased Caution
  •       Green – Low Hazard: Does Not mean No Hazard 

The absence of lights does not indicate safe conditions. 

Check the Lights. Then Decide.

Beach users are responsible for their own safety at all times. Think of the Smart Beach Light as one tool to help you understand conditions and decide what’s safe based on your own comfort and ability. Remember: low hazard does not mean no hazard. 

Check often - conditions change

The Smart Beach Light system is meant to support awareness. Conditions can change quickly. Check the sign often during your visit.

  • Always check the Smart Beach Light before entering the water and follow posted safety signage
  • Check again throughout your visit
  • Don’t assume! Conditions can change quickly

Where the System Applies

The Smart Beach Light reflects conditions within the main public swimming area of Station Beach, Kincardine, from the no swim zone to the southern public beach access points.

Where the system applies

South Pier

200m No Swim Zone

The jetty area (southern pier) is always considered dangerous for swimming, regardless of the signal displayed. There is a 200 meter no swimming zone to the south of the south pier.

A New Wave in Beach Safety

The Municipality of Kincardine is proud to be at the leading edge of beach safety innovation on Lake Huron.

The Smart Beach Light at Station Beach is part of an emerging approach that brings together real-time data, advanced modelling, and simple, highly visible communication—transforming how beachgoers understand and respond to changing water conditions. While systems like this are still in the early stages of adoption, Kincardine is among the first communities in Canada to move this kind of technology from research into a real-world, public setting.

By turning complex environmental data into clear, accessible information, the system empowers residents and visitors to make informed decisions before entering the water.

As the Smart Beach program continues to evolve, Station Beach will help inform how similar systems could be used in other waterfront communities. It’s one step forward in a broader commitment to innovation, safety, and enhancing the beach experience for everyone who visits the Municipality of Kincardine.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Smart Beach Light is designed to support safer decision-making at the waterfront. Below are answers to frequently asked questions to help you understand how to use the system and what to expect.

Smart Beach is a research and innovation program focused on improving beach safety through data, technology, and public education.

The program brings together municipalities, researchers, and technology partners to:

  • Monitor lake and weather conditions in real time
  • Predict nearshore waves and currents
  • Communicate potential hazards to beach users
  • Study how people respond to safety information

The current phase of the program is supported through research funding and partnerships with the University of Waterloo and other Great Lakes communities.

The Smart Beach Light system is a real-time beach condition display that shows current waterfront safety conditions at Station Beach using a simple green, yellow, red indicator system.

It is designed to help beachgoers understand general water conditions before entering the water.

The system uses a combination of real-time environmental data, including wind, wave, and current conditions, which are processed through a predictive model developed in partnership with the University of Waterloo.

That information is translated into a simple colour-coded display on the Beach Warning Light (FlashBoard system) powered by SwimSmart technologies.

  • Green – Low Hazard: Conditions are generally calmer, but users should still exercise normal caution.
  • Yellow – Medium Hazard: Conditions may include stronger waves, winds, or currents. Extra caution is advised.
  • Red – High Hazard: Dangerous conditions. Swimming is not recommended.

Important: Low hazard does not mean no hazard. Conditions can change quickly.

No. Green does not mean “no risk” or “safe conditions.” It means lower hazard conditions relative to other states.

Water conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly.

No. Station Beach is not supervised by lifeguards. All beach users enter the water at their own risk.

Yes. The system is powered by solar energy and is designed to operate throughout the day without relying on the electrical grid.

Once fully operational, the Smart Beach Light is active daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The light will be off overnight. No Light = Warning System Not Active

No. After installation in early May, there will be an initial calibration period of approximately two weeks. During this time, the system will be tested and adjusted and should not be relied upon for swimming decisions. The sign will be covered or marked “Testing in Progress” until it is fully operational.

The sign is one tool to help understand general conditions, but it should not replace personal judgment.

Beach users should always assess conditions themselves before entering the water.

The system is part of a broader Smart Beach research and safety initiative aimed at improving public awareness of changing water conditions and reducing preventable water-related incidents.

Beach users are responsible for their own safety at all times. Parents and caregivers are responsible for supervising children.

The system is monitored, but temporary outages may occur. No Light = Warning System Not Active

The system uses real-time data and predictive modelling; however, lake conditions are dynamic and can change rapidly between updates.

Contact the Project Team

Mike Di Giovanni
Manager, Parks and Facilities
Municipality of Kincardine
519-396-3491 x 7315		 Guy Gallant
Fire Chief, Stations 11 &12
Municipality of Kincardine
519-396-3468 x 7158

 

Legal Disclaimer

The real-time dynamic beach warning system is intended to provide some information to users of the waterfront area. Beach and water conditions can change quickly and beach users are responsible for their own personal safety at all times.

The Municipality of Kincardine assumes no responsibility for any injury, loss, harm or damage to persons or property resulting from the use of the beach / waterfront area. At all times, users enter the water at their own discretion and peril.

Contact Us

The Municipality of Kincardine
1475 Concession 5, R.R.
#5, Kincardine, ON N2Z 2X6
Phone: 519-396-3468
F.: 519-396-8288

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