Shore Dive Site: Southern Breakwall, Goderich, Ontario

Location & Depth:

• Site: Southern Breakwall, Goderich, Ontario, Lake Huron

• Coordinates: Not provided; near the harbor in Goderich, Ontario.

• Depth: 26 feet (8 meters)

Site Description:

This dive site provides an opportunity to explore the southern breakwall structures of Goderich Harbour, constructed between 1907 and 1908. The breakwalls, composed of large stone blocks, were laid to provide protection and stability for harbor operations. Over time, these structures have slowly begun to sink, adding a unique element to the underwater environment.

To the west of the breakwalls lies an unsurveyed debris field, which may contain remnants of construction materials or other artifacts related to the harbor’s history.

Features of Interest:

• Breakwall Construction:

• Observe the original stonework from the early 20th century.

• Inspect areas where the breakwalls have shifted or settled over time.

• Debris Field:

• Located west of the breakwalls, this area remains unexplored, offering potential for discovery.

• Flora and Fauna:

• The underwater structures attract local aquatic life, creating a habitat worth observing.

Diving Notes:

• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate. The shallow depth (26 feet) and close proximity to shore make it accessible for most divers.

• Visibility: Can vary depending on weather, sediment, and boat traffic.

• Cautions:

• North Breakwall: Adjacent to the river mouth, this area sees significant small boat traffic. Divers must use extreme caution and employ a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB).

• Current and Sediment: Possible mild currents near the river mouth and reduced Visibility from stirred sediment.

Historical Context:

• The southern breakwall is part of Goderich’s harbor infrastructure, which played a critical role in the economic development of the region.

• Built during 1907–1908, these breakwalls reflect early 20th-century engineering techniques aimed at withstanding Lake Huron’s challenging conditions.

Additional Recommendations:

• Surveying the Debris Field: Divers with interest in archaeology or historical exploration may want to focus on the unsurveyed debris field.

• Safety Gear:

• A dive light is recommended to inspect crevices within the breakwall structure.

• An SMB is essential for Visibility to boat traffic.

• Timing: Dive during periods of low boat activity, such as early morning or weekdays.

Notices:

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this dive site, but divers should adhere to local regulations and maintain awareness of active boat traffic in the area.

Resources & Links:

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS): saveontarioshipwrecks.ca for information on preserving underwater heritage in Lake Huron.

• Goderich Tourism: Local insights into the area’s history and access points for the dive site.

• MarineTraffic: Monitor small boat traffic near Goderich Harbour for safe diving.

Conclusion:

The Southern Breakwall in Goderich offers a unique diving experience combining history, structure exploration, and the potential for discovering uncharted debris fields. Its accessibility makes it suitable for a wide range of divers, while the site’s historical significance adds depth to the underwater adventure.

Tags:

#ShoreDive #Goderich #LakeHuron #BreakwallDive #HistoricalDiving #OntarioDiving