Bear Cove or more commonly called 'The New Bear Cove' is located at the end of a small walking trail, there is a small parking lot where cars can park.  You'll have about 328ft/100m walk to the water. During summer months may be worth taking a bottle of water if your going to get fully kitted up first or even lug gear down to the water.  There are three barriers that can stop vehicles from driving down the small trail.  The centre barrier is removable but would suggest putting it back in place right away.  Remember this is an active park/trail and be mindful of others.

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There is a wreck at this site, which sits around 65ft/19.8m.  Some have debated whether its the Humboldt or another wreck. Humbolt travelled between between Southampton and New York for the New York and Havre Steam Navigation On December 5, 1853, HUMBOLDT was twelve days out of Southampton in fierce weather and running short of coal. The captain made for Halifax but as the paddle wheeler approached the harbour, she was hailed by a fisherman acting as a harbour pilot. In poor visibility, HUMBOLDT ran aground on shoals near Sambro Island. The captain refloated his vessel but eventually had to ground her in Portuguese Cove. While only one life was lost, the ship and much of her cargo, valued at over 300,000 pounds was lost.

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Emergency Plan

Before diving any site, make your own safety plan. Know your buddies important information. In case of emergency know what to do. Plan ahead. Moving on the shore with full gear can be challenging.  There is cell phone coverage in the area..
 

Divers should familiarize themselves with the following situations and course of actions.
 

1.  Low -air / out of air situation - It can easily happen at this site if divers get distracted and forgot get to check air.  In case this happens, ascend to the surface immediately in a safe manor using the standard surfacing techniques. Ascend slowly looking up to see any boats that might be in the area. Surface swim back to the entry / exit point at a slow but steady pace.

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2.  Buddy separation -If this happens stay down and look for 1 minute then proceed to the surface with a controlled ascent looking up and around for anything over head you might run into. Make yourself positively buoyant wait a short time, if your buddy doesn't return to the surface, proceed to the entry / exit point and contact emergency assistance.

 

3.  Injured diver -If your buddy receives a marine life injury, return to the shore immediately then assess the situation and contact medical assistance. If injury is due to marine life make sure you take the steps to avoid being hurt yourself and ask your buddy questions about what happened.

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4. Near -drowning situation, Lung injury, or decompression illness -Get the injured party to shore and have someone contact Emergency assistance immediately.
 

Hazards and Safety:
It is EASY TO GET LOST and miss the beach when coming back in. Use a buoy, shore maker flag or have a non-diver on shore.

The entry into the water is a bit hazardous as there are sharp and round ROCKS that can present a tripping hazard.

There can be a relatively large SURGE as this site is open to the elements.
 

During lobster season watch out for lobster traps with lines. Watch for fishing buoys and always dive with a knife to cut yourself free.

Emergency Contacts

 

Please note that either you or your buddy has a phone, cell reception is good in this particular area.

 

1) RECOMPRESSION CHAMBER: Dickson Building of The Victoria General

(473-7998)

 

2) Police and Ambulance (911)

 

3)DIVERS ALERT NETWORK (DAN) 1-919-684-4DAN (4326)

 

4) QE II Hospital (473 -2220)

 

5) Marine Radio VHF Channel 16

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