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False Ducks Lighthouse

Fl Red 4s🇨🇦CAOperational

Also known as: False Ducks (False Duck Island, Swetman)

The False Ducks Lighthouse, a 19-meter cylindrical concrete tower, was constructed and first illuminated in 1965. It displays red and white horizontal bands. Situated on the easternmost point of Swetman Island, the structure has a focal height of 22 meters. Its light characteristic is a red flash every 4 seconds (Fl R 4s), with a geographic range of 13.6 nautical miles. The present hexagonal tower with a flared top replaced an earlier lighthouse from 1828, which was dismantled in 1965. The lantern and gallery from the original building were moved to Milford; the current tower lacks a gallery.

Why it matters: The light station, originating in 1828, holds historical importance as one of the earliest on the Canadian Great Lakes. It serves as a navigation aid, indicating the easternmost point of Swetman Island, which presents navigational challenges.

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl R 4s
Focal Height
22m
Geographic Range
13.6NM
Year Built
1965

Significant events: station established 1828, 1828 lighthouse demolished 1965, lantern and gallery relocated to Milford, Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust applied for ownership 2013

Nearest Port
Bath(13.7 km)
USCG No.
7-2615
ARLHS No.
CAN-545
Tower Height
19m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with red and white horizontal bands
Material
concrete

Structure: hexagonal cylindrical concrete tower with a flared top supporting the lantern; no gallery

Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
easternmost point of Swetman (False Duck) Island, off Prince Edward Point at the eastern end of the Quinte Peninsula, Canadian Great Lakes
Latitude
43.9478°
Longitude
-76.7985°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify False Ducks Lighthouse at night?+
False Ducks displays the characteristic Fl Red 4s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does False Ducks Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
False Ducks Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Bath at 14.2 NM to the N. Other ports served include Picton (14.9 NM WNW), DESERONTO (18.2 NM NW), NAPANEE (19 NM NNW), Odessa (19.5 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is False Ducks Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, False Ducks Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near False Ducks Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near False Ducks Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.