The lifeguard season ended yesterday, but dog walkers and horse riders will now be allowed on the beach.

Lifeguards will not be patrolling the beaches again until May 1, 2008, and yesterday members of the Department of Parks thanked them for their hard work over the summer.

The end of lifeguard season also signals the start of dog walking on the beach.

Under the 1986 National Parks Act dogs are only allowed on the beach November first through March 31.

November first also marks the beginning of horse rides on the beach. Apart from Horseshoe Bay, John Smith's Bay and Elbow Beach horses are permitted on public beaches until April 30 as long as they are ridden below the high water mark.

For additional information, or to report any problems, the public can contact the Department of Parks, telephone, 236-5902, or call the Park Ranger Hot-Line on 239-2355.