Unit 5

Passport to Adventure

"We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds." ~ Aristotle Onassis

PEI has a few pertinent laws that travellers should know to help them stay safe . . .

Seat belt use is mandatory.
Blood and breathalyzer tests are authorized on PEI.
On most major highways, the speed limit is 90 km/hr and it is reduced when approaching towns and villages.
In the event of an emergency, dial 911. The system is capable of linking visitors with translators in 140 different languages.
International visitors must carry a valid passport and any required visas.
The legal drinking age on Prince Edward Island is 19 however, minors may be present in licenced lounges between 11 am and 8 pm if accompanied by parents and a meal is ordered.
Tobacco cannot be sold to youth under 19 years old.
Drinking on any public beach on the Island is against the law.

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Environment

Climate Change

Climate change has emerged as a significant environmental concern and travellers are becoming conscientious of their carbon footprint. There is also an increased demand for sustainable approaches.

Coastal Environment

PEI has an accessible, beautiful, unspoiled island coast, featuring some of the longest expanses of pristine beach on the Eastern Seaboard of North America with attractive coastal drives. It also hosts one of Canada's leading coastal National Parks with a distinctive saline and dune environment. This helps to maintain the pristine environment for Green Tourism.

Threats

There are national policies which restrict flexible practices. PEI is heavily dependent on maintaining a healthy, natural environment; however, these policies are significantly controlled by the Canadian Government.

Local Safety

Food Safety

Food safety training is critical for public safety and protection. Through consultation, education, and enforcement of regulations, the goal is to prevent cases of food poisoning. PEI Environmental Health requires all licence holders of food premises that are serving food to have successfully completed an approved food safety training program. Evidence of the food safety training certificate must be posted in the food premises in a location where it can easily be checked by the public health official. Food handlers completing food safety training must update their certification every five years. Even special event volunteers at non-profit organizations and service clubs are required to attend a free three-hour food safety seminar on proper food handling, preparation, and service practices.

Beach Safety

While in PEI, you are never far from the ocean and the numerous beaches. While enjoying the warm waters around the island, it is crucial to stay safe because tourists often do not realize that swimming in the ocean is very different from swimming in a pool or lake. The number one rule is to always swim in supervised beach areas and pay close attention to surf conditions. The rip currents within the ocean waves are powerful and they can pull people away from shore. Even the strongest swimmers can get into trouble if caught in a rip current. If this happens, do not panic; relax and swim parallel to the shore until you get out of the current. Only then should you attempt to swim back to shore. Never try to swim against the current as it is too strong. Ask your lifeguard for more information when you arrive at the beach.

Security

There is a growing demand for safe and secure vacation experiences that are free from natural disasters, civil unrest, and terrorist threats. More than ever, travellers are looking for a peaceful haven.

At the time of writing this course, PEI has experienced no violent crime. This can be validated by witnessing women routinely walking the streets of Charlottetown by themselves at night.

Safety and Security