Surf conditions dangerous at P.E.I. National Park

CBC
·1 min read
Visitors to P.E.I. National Park should stay out of the water Wednesday, says Parks Canada. (Jackie Sharkey/CBC - image credit)
Visitors to P.E.I. National Park should stay out of the water Wednesday, says Parks Canada. (Jackie Sharkey/CBC - image credit)

Surf conditions in P.E.I. National Park are considered dangerous Wednesday, Parks Canada is warning.

"Entering the water is not recommended," the agency said in a news release, citing the danger from rip currents.

Those hazards form when waves break near the shoreline, piling up water between the breaking waves and the beach. Swimmers can become trapped in the rapid current and be swept offshore.

If you are caught in a rip current, it's recommended you stay calm, tread water and conserve energy while attracting attention. Swimmers can also try to swim parallel to the shore until they are out of the current.

This sign, placed at beaches in the PEI National Park, illustrates what swimmers should do if they're caught in rip currents.
This sign, placed at beaches in the PEI National Park, illustrates what swimmers should do if they're caught in rip currents.

Rip currents are too strong to swim against. Instead, try to attract attention while conserving energy and waiting for help, or swim parallel to the shore. (Steve Bruce/CBC)

The best defence against a rip current is to stay on the beach.

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