News release

Back to the Beaches for Nova Scotia Lifeguards

Health and Wellness

NOTE: A list of supervised beaches follows this release.


Surf's up on some of the province's most popular beaches beginning Saturday, June 30, when lifeguards will hit the sand to keep Nova Scotians safe.

In its 40th year of operation, the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service will supervise 23 beaches.

"From Yarmouth to Sydney, Nova Scotians of all ages will take the time to enjoy our many beautiful beaches," said David Wilson, Minister of Health and Wellness. "I want to wish them a fun and safe summer season."

No one has drowned on a beach in Nova Scotia while being supervised by the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service. Last year, about 360,000 people visited the supervised beaches. Lifeguards responded to about 164 rescues, injuries and medical emergencies.

"Our top priority is to make the beach-going experience as safe as we can," said Paul D'Eon, director of the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service. "Our lifeguards look forward to another successful season."

To ensure a safe beach season, beach-goers should follow some simple guidelines:

  • People should swim between the red and yellow flags that mark the supervised portion of the beach
  • Parents should keep their children within arm's reach on the beach and in the water
  • It is illegal to consume alcohol on beaches -- an overwhelming number of drowning and water-related incidents are tied to alcohol consumption

All provincial service lifeguards hold the Lifesaving Society's National Lifeguard, Standard First Aid, and CPR certification.

Since opening in 1973, the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service has supervised more than 17 million people, been involved in 3,697 rescues and completed more than 1,386 community service projects.

The service is a joint project of the Department of Health and Wellness and the Lifesaving Society, Nova Scotia Branch.


The following is a list of the 23 beaches supervised from Saturday, June 30, until Sunday, Aug. 26, unless otherwise specified.

Unless otherwise noted, beaches are guarded daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Antigonish County:

  • Bayfield Beach
  • Pomquet Beach

Cape Breton Regional Municipality:

  • Mira Gut Beach
  • Dominion Beach (Supervision ends on Sept. 3)
  • Ingonish Beach

Cumberland County:

  • Heather Beach

Digby County:

  • Mavillette Beach (Supervised on Saturdays and Sundays only)

Halifax Regional Municipality:

  • Clam Harbour Beach (Supervised on Saturdays and Sundays only)
  • Dollar Lake Beach
  • Lawrencetown Beach (Weekday supervision ends Sept. 3. Weekend supervision continues until Sept. 16)
  • Queensland Beach (Supervision ends on Sept. 3)
  • Rainbow Haven Beach (Supervision ends on Sept. 3)
  • Martinique Beach (Supervision ends on Sept. 3)

Inverness County:

  • Inverness Beach
  • Port Hood Beach

Kings County:

  • Aylesford Lake Beach (Supervision ends on Sept. 3)

Lunenburg County:

  • Bayswater Beach
  • Rissers Beach (Supervision ends on Sept. 3)

Pictou County:

  • Melmerby Beach (Supervision ends on Sept. 3)

Richmond County:

  • Point Michaud Beach

Yarmouth County:

  • Lake Ellenwood Beach
  • Port Maitland Beach
  • Lake Milo Boat Club (Supervision ends on Sept. 3)