A Cobourg man kept true to his word and went swimming off the east pier on Saturday, June 20, 2020.
In fact, Joshua Clausen did it twice.
For the last week Clausen who is adamantly against restrictions being imposed by the local, provincial and federal governments had been saying he was going to go for a swim even though the beach is closed.
And sharply at 1 p.m. Clausen, carrying his placard walked down to the east pier, and went for a dip. Along the way, at least one by-law officer, two special constables and one police officer kept an eye on him at times.
Upon reaching his destination, Clausen read a sign that was posted stating there is no diving or jumping. Removing his footwear, Clausen then climbed down the boulders on the east pier to go for a swim in the chilly waters of Lake Ontario.
“Here I am. I’m in the water. And I did it legally.”
Clausen along with several others have been protesting every Saturday in front of Victoria Hall since COVID-19 restrictions came into effect.
Even with conditions have been improving, Clausen vows to keep the protest happening until everything is back to normal.
“I think it’s very important we get out message across that what’s going on here isn’t right.”
Clausen states Victoria Beach is Crown land and are asking town officials to prove ownership of the sand.
“They have yet to respond.”
“As I understand the sand itself has always been designated as Crown land and therefore we should be able to get to it.”
Because Victoria Beach is maintained, Clausen said it is a “safe” beach unlike other beaches along the Cobourg area who have garbage including fish hooks.
Clausen said stores are “re-opening in a small scale,” but, “I wouldn’t say it’s happening quick enough – that’s why were out here.”
The Cobourg man said he fully believes that COVID exists, but he’s more concerned about the people who have died from it – not the number of people who have had it.
“Death rates globally still put it on the same level as a seasonal flu.”
“So what are we going to do – shut down every year? Are we going to have quarantine season going forward now?”
The group vows they will be out every Saturday, “until it’s over.”
“Until we get back to no restrictions, no mention of mandatory vaccines, masks, no closures, no social distancing, we’ll continue to fight our cause.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
