New 'tide entrapment' warning coming to N.B.'s Maces Bay Ledges after close calls, weekend rescue
New warnings will soon appear near the popular Maces Bay Ledges on New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy coast, where rescues are common for people trapped by rising tides. The latest incident happened this past weekend.
The Musquash Fire-Rescue Department came to the aid of three people, including a five-year-old, who suddenly found themselves surrounded by cold water in thick fog Sunday afternoon.
“That was the first rescue we attempted in recent memory in the fog, which made it quite a bit more challenging,” says Lt. Mike Delaney of Musquash Fire-Rescue.
The emergency response on Sunday included 15 firefighters and two boats out on the water. The three people were returned to shore with no injuries.
“We did purchase a boat specifically to deal with this,” says Chief Wayne Pollock, noting the department can count on making a few rescues like this every year.
Delaney says Sunday’s foggy rescue was largely successful due to the people having a cell phone with them, allowing the ability for them to call 911. Delaney says a 911 operator stayed on the line with the stranded group throughout the entire ordeal.
“We were able to talk to the 911 operator who was able to encourage them to shout, yell, whistle, things of that nature,” says Delaney.
ADDITIONAL WARNINGS ON THE WAY AFTER "MANY CLOSE CALLS"
Plans were already underway for additional warnings to be placed near the Maces Bay Ledges, prior to Sunday’s rescue.
“Fortunately, as of late, we’ve been lucky that we haven’t had a fatality here and we’re trying to prevent one,” says Pollock, who adds there’s been “many close calls.”
A sign will soon be posted near the area’s road entrance, advising people to take a phone with them before venturing out and head back to shore 90 minutes after low tide.
The sign will also include a QR code linking to the area’s daily tide table, along with a video showing the area’s unique hazard.
A blue civic address sign has already been placed at the entrance of 350 Maces Bay Road to help direct emergency crews to the area if necessary.
“The cell phone is critical, that could be the difference maker for sure,” says Pollock. “If you have a cell phone with you and realize that you’re in trouble, call 911 right away. I can’t stress that enough about the cell phone.”
LEDGES CAN "BE DECEIVING"
The Maces Bay Ledges is popular with people harvesting clams, dulse, and winkles, but even locals may be unaware of the location’s distinct danger.
Delaney says the area can be “deceiving” at low tide because the topography may appear to be flat.
“Based on the differences of elevation in that area, when the tide does come back in, it almost floods rather than just give the appearance of rising waters,” he says. “So the area you just walked through now has a foot to two feet of water.”
And that water is very cold.
“The bay water is quite unforgiving,” says Delaney. “The temperature doesn’t warm up much compared to the winter. The longer you’re in the water, every minute that goes by, there’s less chance of us being able to get you. It’s also a lot harder to locate people who are in the water.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.