Channel at Basin Head temporarily closed for safety reasons
Conditions in the channel at Basin Head Provincial Park have changed during the winter season. At this time it is extremely dangerous to jump or dive off the bridge or pier. To do so could cause serious injury or death.
The channel became shallow after a major storm caused it to fill with sand this winter. Measurements put the low water mark at approximately three feet and the high water at approximately eight feet, making the channel half the depth it typically would be. Even at high tide it is still extremely unsafe to jump or dive off the bridge or pier.
“We are warning all Islanders and visitors alike that jumping and diving at Basin Head is now extremely dangerous,” Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay said. “We are working closely with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to get the channel fixed as soon as possible. We are still in the early stages of the process. Details are currently being worked out to determine how we will move forward.”
Fencing is being erected at the pier and new signs will be installed by the end of this week to warn beach goers about the extreme danger.
Media contact:
Hillary MacDonald
Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture
902-394-6368
hpsmacdonald@gov.pe.ca