Last Call for Lifeguards at the River House
Summer is winding down, but there's still time for one more swim. The National Capital Commission announced on Instagram that this coming weekend, including Labour Day Monday, is the final stretch of supervised swimming at the NCC River House.
According to a post from @ncc_ccn, lifeguards will be on duty all weekend and on Monday, September 7, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. As the account put it in its reminder, it's time to "send this to someone who still needs to take a dip."
Where to Find It
The NCC River House sits along the Ottawa River, part of the National Capital Commission's network of riverside recreation spots that have become a staple for Ottawa residents looking to cool off without leaving the city. Unlike a public pool, the River House offers a natural swimming experience along the river, complete with sandy areas and shaded spots for hanging out after a swim.
For families or groups who feel more comfortable with a lifeguard nearby, this weekend is the last chance to swim with that added layer of safety before staffing wraps up for the season.
Unsupervised Swimming Continues Through September
Good news for anyone who can't make it out this weekend: the swim area itself isn't closing just yet. Per the NCC's announcement, unsupervised swimming will remain available until September 30. That gives Ottawa residents a few extra weeks to enjoy the river as the weather starts to shift into fall, though swimmers should be mindful that no lifeguards will be present after this weekend.
An Ottawa Tradition Worth Catching
The River House has become one of those quietly beloved Ottawa spots, the kind of place locals pass along by word of mouth (or Instagram, in this case) rather than seeing it splashed across tourism brochures. With the days getting shorter and patio season winding down, this is a good nudge to get one last proper swim in before autumn fully takes over.
Whether you're bringing the kids for a supervised splash this weekend or planning a quieter unsupervised dip later in the month, the Ottawa River is calling. Just don't wait too long, the season's clock is ticking.
Story based on a post from @ncc_ccn on Instagram.
