Together, the Province of PEI and Parks Canada are working to increase awareness of rip currents so both Islanders and visitors can have safe and enjoyable beach experiences.
Last fall, a PEI Rip Current Advisory Committee was formed to improve water safety at Island beaches. From this committee, the Province and Parks Canada worked to launch new initiatives, including:
- creating a newly designed rip current image that is more realistic with improved wording;
- providing updated signage that aligns with international signage standards;
- adopting the international flag system to report surf conditions; and
- launching an educational program about ocean hazards to help beachgoers make informed decisions when on or near water.
Also new this summer, PEI National Park beach surf conditions will be available to the public at www.pc.gc.ca/peinow.
“Protecting and educating Islanders and visitors about rip currents and other beach hazards is absolutely vital,” said Economic Growth. Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay. “I want to thank the committee and Parks Canada for working collaboratively with my department to improve water safety at Island beaches.”
“The Government of Canada is committed to providing visitors with safe, meaningful and enjoyable experiences at Parks Canada places,” said Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque. “Education is key to prevention and ensuring our coastal safety. That's why Parks Canada is partnering with the Province of Prince Edward Island to raise awareness of ocean hazards and help beachgoers safely enjoy our Island beaches.”
The new initiatives will be implemented at the eight supervised Provincial Park beaches beginning on Thursday, June 27, and will be at the seven National Park beaches effective Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29th. These dates coincide with the dates lifeguard supervision starts at the beaches.
For more information on beach safety and to get live updates, visit Beach Safety. For more information on the location and hours of supervision at PEI National Park beaches, visit Prince Edward Island National Park.
Media contact:
Hillary MacDonald
Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture
902-394-6368
hpsmacdonald@gov.pe.ca
Kara Grant
Communications Officer, Parks Canada
902-672-6389
kara.grant@canada.ca