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

Prince Edward Island National Park is seen in a photo. (Source: Parks Canada)

Parks Canada is warning surfers about dangerous water conditions at parts of the Prince Edward Island National Park on Monday.

The surf conditions from the Cavendish-to-North Rustico region of the park are considered dangerous and people are asked to not go into the water, according to a news release from Parks Canada.

“Rip currents may form along the shores due to high winds and resulting surf conditions,” the release says. “Rip currents are a hazard on PEI 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 by forming 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.”

People who get caught in a rip current are told to conserve their energy, tread water and, if that doesn’t work, swim parallel to the shore out of the current.

Surf conditions in the Brackley-to-Dalvay and Greenwich areas in the park are considered moderate.

Pool floaties are banned at the park’s beaches.

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