Nova Scotia's lifeguards are set to hit the sand on some of the province's popular beaches when supervision begins on Thursday, July 1.
The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service, now in its 38th year of operation, will provide supervision at 22 beaches across the province.
Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, hopes all Nova Scotians have a safe and healthy beach season.
"Going to Nova Scotia's beaches is a summer tradition that allows us to be active and enjoy the outdoors," said Ms. MacDonald. "I'd encourage all Nova Scotians to have fun on our beautiful beaches, while staying safe."
There has never been a drowning on a beach while being supervised by the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service. Close to 500,000 people visit Nova Scotia's supervised beaches each year, with about 100 rescues taking place and other injuries prevented.
"The lifeguards of the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service look forward to another safe and successful season," said Paul D'Eon, director of the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service. "As always, our primary goal is to make the beach-going experience as safe and enjoyable as possible."
The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service offers beach-goers some simple guidelines to follow:
-- Swim between the red and yellow flags that mark the supervised portion of the beach
-- Parents should keep their children within arm's reach on the beach and in the water
-- It is illegal to consume alcohol on beaches: An overwhelming number of drowning and water-related incidents are tied to alcohol consumption.
All provincial service lifeguards hold the Lifesaving Society's National Lifeguard, Standard First Aid, and CPR certification. Since opening in 1973, the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service has supervised more than 16 million people, been involved in 3,200 rescues and completed over 1,380 community service projects.
The service is a joint project of the Department of Health Promotion and Protection and the Lifesaving Society, Nova Scotia Branch.
Following is a list of 22 beaches supervised by the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service from Thursday, July 1 until Sunday, Aug. 29. Unless otherwise noted, beaches are guarded daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Halifax Regional Municipality:
-- Clam Harbour Beach (Saturdays and Sundays only)
-- Dollar Lake Beach
-- Lawrencetown Beach
-- Queensland Beach
-- Rainbow Haven Beach
-- Martinique Beach
Antigonish County:
-- Bayfield Beach
-- Pomquet Beach
Cape Breton Regional Municipality:
-- Mira Gut Beach
-- Dominion Beach
Cumberland County:
-- Heather Beach
Digby County:
-- Mavillette Beach (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Inverness County:
-- Inverness Beach
-- Port Hood Beach
Kings County:
-- Aylesford Lake Beach
Lunenburg County:
-- Bayswater Beach
-- Rissers Beach
Pictou County:
-- Melmerby Beach
Richmond County:
-- Point Michaud
Yarmouth County:
-- Lake Ellenwood Beach
-- Port Maitland Beach
-- Lake Milo Boat Club
