Nova Scotia Comes Alive in 2011!

Have Respect for the Tides at Peggy’s Cove

Every year I go out to Peggy’s Cove an average of about 5 times.  Each time I see people clambering over the rocks at one of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks, walking down to the water’s edge to sit and take in the beautiful vista and the bobbing swells. And each time I shake my head and wonder when the “rogue wave” will show up and wash them away.

Today that happened. A woman traveling with a bus tour was swept off the rocks as the placid swells coughed up huge arm washing the rocks up to the lighthouse (over 5o feet up) and pulling the man into waters with vicious undertows. Well, the woman was lucky she stayed afloat in the frigid water for 12 minutes until she was able to grab onto a life ring. Once hooked she was pulled in and given warmth for hypothermia.

This lady was lucky, very lucky. But that has not been the case in the past. Many people have died on these very rocks, an average of one every three years. These people were taken during vacations right before the eyes of terrified family, friends and onlookers. And many of them were good swimmers but the cold water and undertows have no respect for Red Cross badges.

Peggy’s Cove is a magical spot. It is a working fishing village that also doubles as a Disney-like setting of what a traditional Nova Scotia village should look like. Please go and see this spot but give the wet rocks a measure of respect.

And we’re happy that the tourist can live to tell about his experience.