Pool inflatables causing 'big issue' in P.E.I. National Park

Parks Canada is concerned about the growing number of people being swept out to sea on pool inflatables around Prince Edward Island's beaches.

The agency said the issue has been getting worse since 2019, and that it could be related to the increase in the number of tourists the Island sees every year. Additionally, strong winds, rip currents and changing tides can be a dangerous combination, especially for people who haven't spent much time around open water.

Robyn Caissie, the visitor safety and fire operations co-ordinator with P.E.I. National Park, said inflatables have been a "hot topic."

"This is a pretty big issue. We see quite a few rescues," she said. "Over half of our rescues are actually due to inflatables."

Robyn Caissie of Parks Canada advises beachgoers avoid using inflatables meant for controlled environments like pools. (Ken Linton/CBC)

Caissie described the inflatables as the generic kind that people can buy at stores.

"We've seen anything from a giant unicorn to air mattresses that you would use camping to sleep on," she said.

Items like paddle boards and knee boards are just as problematic, Caissie said.

'These are meant for the pool'

Caissie strongly recommends beachgoers avoid using pool inflatables in open water. She said people misjudge how windy P.E.I. is and how quickly the weather can change, causing them to get swept out to sea very quickly.

Sean Jenner of the Canadian Coast Guard says once people are swept away from shore it can be very difficult for them to get back on their own. (Zoom)

The Canadian Coast Guard also cautions against using pool inflatables in large bodies of water. It has seen the issue become a problem over the last few years around P.E.I. and the Maritimes, said Sean Jenner, an in-shore rescue boat co-ordinator in the Atlantic region.

"The main thing we want people to know is that these are meant for the pool in that controlled environment where you're not going to be swept super far out," Jenner said. "These pool floaties are not meant to be used in open water."

Once people are swept away from shore, he said, it can be very difficult for them to get back on their own.

Parks Canada said it is prepared to respond to any calls involving inflatables. Lifeguards are in place at supervised beaches, and boats can be dispatched at any point.

The coast guard also has trained personnel to respond to rescue calls on open water.

When crews respond to calls involving floaties, though, it draws them away from protecting people on busy beaches. It may also put rescue workers at risk if they have to travel far from shore and into deeper water.

"Historically we've had quite long swims and paddles to try and get these people back," Caissie said. "So you're taking that surf guard not only out of their supervised zone but quite a ways out to sea to get these people back"

She said rescuing people can be stressful, but surf guards will always go out to save someone.

Caissie encourages people to check Parks Canada's Facebook page or website for weather conditions and tips on how to stay safe.

She also said beach visitors can ask lifeguards for help.

The coast guard said people should only swim at supervised beaches, and to call its toll free number at 1-800-565-1582 for any emergencies.