Parks Canada Surf Guards hit the waves in the annual Surf Guard competition
News Release
Prince Edward Island National Park hosts Surf Guard Competition
August 8, 2016 Charlottetown, PEI Parks Canada Agency
Prince Edward Island National Park Surf Guards will demonstrate life-saving skills in their annual Surf Guard Competition at Brackley Beach on Wednesday August 10th at 7 p.m. The event, which has been held for over 50 years, includes running, swimming, paddling, simulated rescues with boards and cans, and demonstrations of other important skills for Surf Guards. The competition will last approximately 1.5 hours and will feature:
- “Board rescues” where Surf Guards save “victims”, demonstrating the immense responsibilities they have as well as their professional execution of life-saving activities;
- “The Beach Flag Competition” - a fast-paced and fun-filled activity where Surf Guards participate in an elimination race similar to a game of “musical chairs”; and
- “The Ironguard Team Relay” demonstrates the endurance of Surf Guards as they run on the sandy beach, swim, and paddle a rescue board.
For the competition, Surf Guards are divided up into teams of “East” and “West” ends of PEI National Park. As “East” vs “West” compete for the day, the team with the most points is declared the victor at the end of the event, and the winners get bragging rights for the season.
Quick Facts
- Prince Edward Island National Park offers seven supervised beaches over the summer months: Cavendish Campground Beach, Cavendish Main Beach, North Rustico Beach, Brackley Beach, Ross Lane Beach, Stanhope Beach, and Greenwich Beach.
- PEI National Park has three accessible beaches, located at Cavendish Campground, Brackley Main, and Stanhope Main. Visitors can reserve a beach wheelchair for use at one of these beaches by calling 902-672-2664. There is no charge for this service with a valid park entry permit.
- The lifeguard service in Prince Edward Island National Park was established in 1948 in Cavendish and grew to include Dalvay in 1949. The park was the first Canadian national park to offer a lifeguard service.
- Clarkie Gallant, current Surf Guard supervisor, has been providing his Surf Guard services in Prince Edward Island National Park since 1966. He has 50 years of experience in water safety in PEI National Park.
Quote
“Canada’s national parks are gateways to nature, adventure and discovery. Parks Canada is proud of its commitment to visitor safety, enabling people to enjoy our beautiful supervised beaches. The annual Surf Guard Competition highlights the skills and abilities of our Surf Guards as they help provide a safe and enjoyable visit to Prince Edward Island National Park.”
Karen Jans, Superintendent, Prince Edward Island Field Unit
Associated Link
Prince Edward Island National Park
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Contacts
Jennifer Stewart
Partnering, Engagement and Communications Officer
Parks Canada, PEI
902-672-6389
Jennifer.stewart@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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