Water safety

Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful, fast-moving seaward currents that can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. They form when the energy from surf gets caught between the beach and offshore sandbars. 

Be safe: Know how to swim, never swim alone, and when in doubt, don't go out.

Break the Grip of the Rip.  If you become caught in a rip current:

• Don't fight the current
• Swim out of the current, then to shore
• If you can't escape, float or tread water
• If you need help, call or wave for assistance

Please note that floatable devices are not encouraged due to strong offshore winds and are not allowed in supervised swimming areas.

Watch Rip Currents: The Hidden Danger.

Beach flag warnings

Flags are flown during supervised hours only. The absence of flags does not assure safe waters. Swim at your own risk.

PEI National Park's supervised beaches now use the international beach flag warning system:    

		Swim between the flags
	Red	Dangerous surf - no swimming
	Yellow	Moderate surf
	Green	Calm surf
	Orange	Strong off-shore winds - do not use inflatables
	Purple	Jellyfish

Safety tips

• When in doubt, don’t go out!
• Swim at a supervised beach and in the supervised area (between the flags).
• Never swim alone.
• Observe surf conditions and follow surfguard advice.
• If surf is present, beware of rip currents. 

Tides

Twice daily, the shores of Prince Edward Island National Park become wide, and then narrow again, because of the tides.

Tides within Prince Edward Island National Park range from a few centimeters to over two meters. Low tide is the best time of day to explore. But be aware and watch the rising tide along the cliffs to ensure that you can safely return the way you came.

Pay particular attention at Robinson’s Island and Covehead Bay where narrow channels can create strong outflow currents, especially as tides change.

Water Quality

Small outflow streams that you encounter along the shoreline carry water from hundreds of kilometers of streams. Avoid having children play in them as the water may contain elevated bacteria levels. Signage is put in place weekly if water tests show high levels of bacteria. 

Watercraft

Motorized vessels are not permitted within National Park water bodies and for visitor safety boats should remain 200 meters from all designated swimming areas.  If encountering swimmers outside of these areas, boaters are asked to please slow down to 10 km/hr and stay well clear of them.

Observe Piping Plover closure signs and do not beach your boat in these areas. Move down shore to an area not posted.

Whether enjoying the water by kayaking, kite surfing or paddle boarding, before heading out ensure that you are equipped and trained and be prepared for quickly changing weather & surf conditions. 

Bridge Jumping

If you are thinking it might be fun to jump off Covehead bridge, think twice!  Diving and/or jumping from the Covehead Bridge is a prohibited activity, pursuant to Section 7 (1) of the National Parks General Regulations. Bridge jumping is dangerous for many reasons, including:

• Unknown objects lurking below the surface of the water;
• Ever-changing water conditions and depths; and
• Slippery conditions climbing to the diving point;
• Heavy boat traffic.

Anyone found contravening the regulation may be prosecuted under Section 7(4)(a) of the General Regulations. The minimum fine is $175.