History

Rainbow Haven Beach Park was developed in the late 1980s and became a part of the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service in 1988.

Facilities

Rainbow Haven's facilities include change houses, a canteen, showers, flush toilets, abundant parking, beach volleyball nets, and boardwalks which permit wheelchair access to the beach.

Beach Safety

During ebbing tidal conditions, the tidal channel constitutes a hazard with the strong currents that develop. This factor, combined with high populations and constantly moving rocks within the supervised area makes Rainbow Haven a difficult beach to supervise. Persons in distress requiring a rescue at Rainbow Haven are not uncommon. Generally, the lifeguards will try to direct bathers away from the channel. On busier days, the lifeguards may open two supervised swimming areas that span from the main boardwalk to the breakwater near Rainbow Haven Camp which includes a 400 metre swimming area for patrons. Beach conditions are recorded daily by lifeguard staff and can be accessed by calling the Beach Line. Lifeguards on duty perform regular walk patrols to discourage swimmers from entering the channel. The lifeguards also post hazard signs in front of areas that are unsafe for swimmers.

Directions

Rainbow Haven Beach is located 8km east of Cow Bay. The beach may be reached by turning onto Bissett Road from Portland Street in Cole Harbor. The Provincial Park entrance is the next right after turning left at the end of Bissett Road.