Nova Scotia’s Peggy’s Cove and Peggy’s Point Lighthouse SIGNS WILL WARN OF DANGER

Posted on 04/06/2016 | About Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s Peggy’s Cove and Peggy’s Point Lighthouse receive almost half a million visitors a year. The waves from the Atlantic Ocean are spectacular and anyone who has visited during a storm would attest to the power of the waves that could easily sweep someone out to sea from a slippery rock bed. Visitors are warned of the dangers when the ocean is choppy but the government will make the notes of caution more evident for the coming tourist season.

The provincial government website warns that “Visitors are reminded to exercise caution at all times, as the surging sea is never far away.” Last week, the province announced that it plans to install safety signs, interpretive panels and a video message warning of the ocean's power at Peggy's Cove.

The execution of safety warnings is a result of recommendations by community members, local organizations and government departments.  Last year a 25 year old man from Smith Falls was killed after being pulled into the Atlantic.  

Two months later a man was rescued after also being tossed into the sea."We've engaged a number of people who had the unfortunate experience of witnessing or responding to those circumstances at Peggy's Cove and the general consensus has been awareness is the appropriate step to take," said Business Minister Mark Furey.

Furey was asked if it would be prudent to have people patrol the area to ensure the safety of visitors.  He replied, "Patrols actually put people at risk and the last thing we want to do is actually expose others to risk."Soon, The Sou'Wester, restaurant overlooking the lighthouse will put rock barriers around the parking lot to direct visitors to warning signs.

Furey said tourism staff will also improve communications with visitors, and a social media safety campaign will be launched at the start of the tourism season.

He said the cost of the signage and social media campaign is about $25,000.The young man who died last year was James Donald Quattrocchi; and after the accident his mother Caroline felt that the site should have life-saving equipment at the edge of the rocky shore.  

Since then she has decided that awareness of the dangers and prevention of accidents is the best way to prevent further tragedies.

The signs that will be posted in strategic locations will read: DANGER. Sudden high waves. Drowning hazard. Keep off black rocks.