P.E.I. surf conditions dangerous, Parks Canada warns

Surf conditions on P.E.I.'s North Shore are considered dangerous today, according to a Parks Canada advisory.

Swimmers are being warned to stay out of the water.

High winds and strong surf are liable to create rip currents on the Island's beaches.

Rip currents, also known as rip tides, are formed when wind and surf push a lot of water onto the shore and it rushes back out to sea in narrow channels. Rip currents can carry swimmers far from shore, leaving them stranded.

What to do if you're caught in a rip current

It's not possible to swim against a rip current. Attempting to swim against the current will only tire out a person caught in one more quickly.

• Rip current video aims to prevent drownings

Swimmers should remain calm and move parallel to the shore. Once you are out of the current, it will be easier to swim back to dry land.

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