June 30th, 2009

NOTE: A list of supervised beaches follows this release.
Some of Nova Scotia's most popular beaches are set to open their supervised seasons on Wednesday, July 1, and the province's lifeguards are ready for the task.

The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service supervises 21 beaches and director Paul D'Eon is eager to get started.

"We are optimistic this year that we will have a safe and successful season," said Mr. D'Eon. "Extending the 36-year no-drowning record is our primary goal, and I am confident the team of guards we have this year will be able to complete the task. Hopefully we can also have a bit of fun."

The service wants to remind beach-goers about the simple guidelines to follow:

-- Swim between the red and yellow flags: The flags mark the supervised portion of the beach.

-- Parents should keep their children within arm's reach on the beach: To keep children safe, parents and guardians must watch over children in their care.

-- It is illegal to consume alcohol on beaches: An overwhelming number of drowning and water-related incidents are tied to alcohol consumption. These can be prevented by not consuming alcohol on beaches or entering beach areas under the influence of alcohol.

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 16 million people, made more than 3,100 rescues and completed more than 1,340 beach projects. The service is a joint project of the Lifesaving Society and the Department of Health Promotion and Protection.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Some of Nova Scotia's most popular beaches are set to

open their supervised seasons on Wednesday (July 1st) and

the province's lifeguards are ready for the task.

The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service supervises 21 beaches

and director Paul D'Eon says he is optimistic the servide

will extend its 36-year no-drowning record.

Beach-goers are reminded to swim only in the guarded

area, marked with red and yellow flags; keep their children

within arm's reach, and that it is illegal to consume

alcohol on beaches.

Since opening in 1973, the Nova Scotia Lifeguard

Service has supervised 16 million people, made more than

3,100 rescues and completed more than 1,340 beach projects.

It is a joint project of the Lifesaving Society and the

Department of Health Promotion and Protection.

-30-

Media Contacts: Paul D'Eon
Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service
902-477-6155
E-mail: paul.deon@nsls.ns.ca

Troy MacArthur
Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service
902-477-6203

Following is a list of 21 beaches guarded by the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service until Aug. 30, this summer. Nineteen will be guarded daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mavillette Beach, Digby Co., and Clam Harbour Beach, HRM, will be guarded only on weekends.

Antigonish County:
-- Bayfield Beach
-- Pomquet Beach

Cape Breton Regional Municipality:
-- Mira Gut Beach
-- Indian Beach

Cumberland County:
-- Heather Beach

Digby County:
-- Mavillette Beach (weekends only)

Halifax Regional Municipality:
-- Clam Harbour Beach (weekends only)
-- Dollar Lake Beach
-- Lawrencetown Beach
-- Queensland Beach
-- Rainbow Haven Beach
-- Bayswater Beach
-- Martinique Beach

Inverness County:
-- Inverness Beach
-- Port Hood Beach

Kings County:
-- Aylesford Lake Beach

Lunenburg County:
-- Rissers Beach

Pictou County:
-- Melmerby Beach

Yarmouth County:
-- Lake Ellenwood Beach
-- Port Maitland Beach
-- Lake Milo Boat Club