Peggys Cove amps security to prevent being swept out to sea
Digital Reporter
Thursday, March 31, 2016, 6:26 PM - Nova Scotia announced Thursday it is adding security measures at Peggys Cove to keep visitors away from the water's edge and risk being swept into the ocean.
The government said it is adopting recommendations made by a local task force.
These changes include:
- The installation of new safety signs and panels that will describe the ocean's strength
- A video warning that will be played at the visitor information centre
- Better communication from tourism staff
- A social media safety campaign to be launched at the start of the summer tourism season
CBC estimates the cost for the new safety measures will be around $25,000.
The changes come after 25-year-old James Donald Quattrocchi of Smiths Falls, Ont. died last April at Peggys Cove when he was swept away by a wave.
His mother, Caroline Quattrocchi, says that after researching the water conditions along the coastline, she's convinced prevention is the best way to stop another tragedy.
"There's probably nothing that would have saved Jamie once he went into the water," Caroline Quattrocchi told the CBC.
"So looking at public education and prevention is certainly the most important thing that's done at this point."
Approximately 500,000 people visit Peggys Cove annually.
"The objective is to balance public access with public safety," Business Minister Mark Furey told reporters.
"I think the objective really is to bring greater awareness to the risk at the rocks, and we've engaged a number of people who had the unfortunate experience of witnessing and/or experiencing and responding to those circumstances at Peggys Cove.
The general consensus is that awareness is the appropriate step to take."
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