N.B. man drowns in St. Margarets, P.E.I. after being caught in high surf conditions

A 52-year-old New Brunswick man has drowned in St. Margarets, P.E.I. after being pulled out to sea by the current and wave conditions created by high winds, saidpolice.

In a news release, police saidthe drowning occurred July 22 at 5 p.m. on the Island's North Shore.

Kings DistrictRCMPwere assisted by EMS,SourisFire department and local fisherman from theNaufrageHarbour to try and reach the man but they didn't get to him in time.

"Surf conditions were extreme at the time and a strong rip current contributed to both the drowning and the ability to reach the man," said policein their release.

• Rip current video aims to prevent drownings

SourisVolunteer Fire Department chief Colin LaVie said they responded to the call to Bear River Beach with their rescue boat but found the man in the water about 153 metersoffshore when they arrived on the scene.

He said the beach is a popular spot, adding the man was staying in cottages nearby and may not have realized how dangerous the high surf could be.

The fire chief added there are no lifeguards working on that beach.

"There was a good surf on the shore when we got to the scene. We had a job to get out through it with our own little zodiac," said LaVie.

RCMPare urgingswimmers to take extra caution when there ishigh surf on the water, adding undertow conditions often accompany high waves.

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