No plans to stop Basin Head bridge jumping, says province

Unlike efforts to stop people from bridge jumping at Covehead in the P.E.I. National Park, the province says it doesn't plan to do anything more to stop people from jumping off one of the most popular wharves on the Island.

Jumping off the wharf and bridge into the rapid currents has become a popular activity for many Islanders and tourists at Basin Head Provincial Park, east of Souris.

But a sign on the wharf says jumping is prohibited.

Lifeguards who patrol the area are not responsible for stopping people from jumping and diving, said the province.

"It's one of those time-honoured traditions here on Prince Edward Island and, from when I was down there watching the activities that were going on, certainly people were really enjoying their experience," said Tourism Minister Rob Henderson.

He explains the sign.

"It's just the sign was put up specifically to try to, you know, just make people be a little bit aware that there is a risk and a concern and they might want to think a little bit about participating in the activity before they, you know, just jump in," said Henderson.

"And if there was ever a point in time that we felt that it was getting risky or that there was a greater hazard, you know, we would take whatever appropriate actions there."