Lifeguard shortage on P.E.I. results in reduced service

P.E.I. tourism officials say a shortage of lifeguards this summer means there won't be supervised lifeguard services at Red Point Provincial Park and lifeguards will only be on duty at Cabot Park four days a week.

Signs will be posted at the two beaches alerting the public of the changes.

The provincial lifeguard co-ordinator with the Department of Tourism James Sullivan said finding and training qualified lifeguards has been an increasing challenge for all organizations all over P.E.I. and across the Maritimes.

"We are approximately short two and half positions in the eastern end of the Island and two and half positions in Summerside and western parts of the province," said Sullivan.

"So as a result, there will be no supervised lifeguard services this season at Red Point Provincial Park near Souris. And Cabot Park, near Kensington, will be limited to Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer."

Sullivan said the situation is assessed very year. 

Sullivan said over the fall and winter, the department plans to work with organizations that provide lifeguard training to better promote lifeguarding as a good paying and rewarding summer job. He hopes that will result in more lifeguards next year.