Surf conditions declared dangerous at P.E.I. National Park

Surf conditions in P.E.I. National Park are considered dangerous Thursday, Parks Canada warned early in the day.

"Entering the water is not recommended," the agency said in a news release, citing the danger from rip currents.

Those hazardsform when waves break near the shoreline, piling up water between the breaking waves and the beach.Swimmers can become trapped in the rapid current and be swept offshore.

Environment Canada has issued a strong wind warning for the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with winds out of the northwest blowing at close to 50 km/h, equal to 25 knots.

If you are caught in a rip current, it's recommended youstay calm, tread water and conserve energy while attracting attention. Swimmers can also try to swim parallelto the shore until they are out of the current.

The best defence against a rip current is to stay on the beach.