Surf conditions in P.E.I. National Park today are considered dangerous.
To ensure visitor safety, entering the water is not recommended.
Rip currents are a hazard on P.E.I. beaches and form when waves break near the shoreline, piling up water between the breaking waves and the beach.
One of the ways this water returns to sea is to form a rip current – a narrow stream of water moving swiftly away from shore.
The danger is when swimmers become trapped in the rapid current and are swept offshore.
Caught in a rip current?
- Stay calm,
- attract attention,
- conserve energy,
- tread water,
- waves can assist you back to shore.
- If that doesn’t work, swim parallel to shore out of the current-toward the breaking waves.
Parks Canada’s video “Rip Currents –The Hidden Danger” advises beach visitors on how to identify the signs of a rip current. Check it out:
For more information, call 902-672-6350.
