Open Water Swimming

Summer 2026 Pilot Project

 

The open water swimming corridor is a designated area located in the Gatineau River, near the Farm Point public dock. Marked by buoys and measuring 125 metres in length, it is intended for autonomous swimmers who possess the skills and experience required to safely navigate a natural environment without supervision.

  • Important: the swimming corridor is not a supervised swimming area. No lifeguards are present on site.

 

Water Quality

Rating A – Excellent
Rating B – Good
Rating C – Fair
Rating D – Polluted

Update: To come on June 19

As part of the pilot project, the Municipality will conduct weekly testing of the river water at the swimming corridor site. Results will be published each week:

To receive water quality updates for the swimming corridor by email, residents are invited to register for PiVOT, your citizen portal, and subscribe to the “Parks and Recreation” category.

 

  • From Friday, June 19 to Monday, August 31
  • Daily, from 7 a.m. until 2 hours before sunset
  • Parking
  • Service building with universal access ramp for persons with reduced mobility, changing cabins, washrooms, automated external defibrillator (AED).

 

  • Complete the risk acceptance form before your first use of the corridor.
  • Check weather conditions before every outing.
  • Swimming with a partner is recommended, and swimmers are encouraged to assist others without putting themselves at risk.

To ensure everyone’s safety, the following rules must be respected:

  • Bring the required equipment: wear a visible swim cap and an open water swim buoy, and carry a whistle.
  • Remain within the swimming areas marked by buoys.
  • Swim in the direction indicated on the map.
  • Wear a wetsuit when the water temperature is between 16°C and 18°C. Access is prohibited when the water temperature is below 16°C.
  • Access is prohibited during thunderstorms.
  • Children under 16 years of age must be always supervised by an adult.

Open water swimming involves risks associated with the natural environment, including:

  • risk of drowning;
  • varying currents and water depths;
  • cold water and risk of hypothermia;
  • natural obstacles such as rocks, branches, debris, logs, etc.;
  • fatigue, cramps or medical distress;
  • varying water quality;
  • changing weather conditions;
  • presence of boats and other users;
  • limited cellular coverage depending on the service provider. It is recommended that you do not rely solely on a cell phone in case of emergency.
  • Diving;
  • Recreational swimming activities such as splashing, floating and lounging;
  • Use of motorized and non-motorized watercraft;
  • Fishing.

 

Emergency and Reporting

 

For emergencies, call 911.

Adress to provide to emergency services:

311 Chemin de la Rivière, Chelsea QC

 

To report damage or an issue, please contact the municipal team through:

Pivot.chelsea.ca/reporting by selecting the “Dock and Swimming Corridor” option and by providing details about the issue in the
description field below.

 

 

Your participation Matters

 

Questions, comments or suggestions regarding the pilot project?

Please send them to:

loisirs@chelsea.ca

 

Learn More About Public River Access

Webpage: Public Access to the Gatineau River

News article: A New Public Dock at Farm Point Park

 

 

Thank you to our Partner

FOG logo.jpg

The Municipality warmly thanks Les Amis de la rivière Gatineau for their contribution to the implementation
of this pilot project, particularly for the installation and removal of the buoys.


This page was last updated on June 17, 2026

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