Water safety

Prince Edward Island National Park

Surf conditions on PEI Now: Updated between July and Labour Day and aim to be posted by 10:30AM daily.

Whether you’re new to the ocean or a pro, always be aware of the hazards in this quickly changing environment.  Know your limits.  Respect the water.

The north shore is a dynamic environment impacted by changes in wind direction and speed, transforming a tranquil lap of waves into an energetic surf.  We encourage all swimmers to use supervised swimming areas and check surf conditions daily.

Check out our Swimming & Beach Activities page for beach locations and information.

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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 banned in the water of PEI National Park beaches, due to strong offshore winds.

Watch Rip Currents: The Hidden Danger.

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

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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. 

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Pool floaties

A graphic image. On the left side of the image are a series of green check marks and different types of approved beach items. The right side of the image has a series of red X's depicting banned pool floaties of different types. 

Pool floaties are banned in the water of PEI National Park beaches. These devices are meant to be used in pools and not in open water. They can cause swimmers to drift far off shore, and pose a disproportionate risk to both swimmers and the surfguards completing rescue attempts. 

The term “pool floaties” refers to loungers, inner tubes, blow-up furniture, and other recreational floatation items. 

Please note: Swimming aids for small children, such as water wings, life jackets/personal floatation devices, and “puddle jumpers”, are permitted, as long as an adult accompanies the wearer and remains within an arm’s length of the child at all times. 

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

 

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