North Vancouver RCMP and District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (DNVFRS) urge Lynn Canyon Park parkgoers – particularly those considering cliff jumping – to think twice and exercise caution as they look for ways to cool off this summer.
Lynn Canyon Park is a very popular spot for visitors, receiving over half a million visitors annually. While beautiful, its cliffs, rushing river and forested areas can be a challenge for visitors unfamiliar with rugged terrain, police warn. Although much of the cliff access is fenced off with warning signs posted, people sometimes climb the fence and go out of bounds to cliff jump, putting themselves at significant risk.
“It is extremely dangerous to cliff jump in Lynn Canyon,” said Fire Chief Mike Danks, District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services. “Not only are there underwater rock hazards not visible from above the surface, but there are also extremely strong currents. Even in the summer, the water is very cold, and hypothermia can set in quickly.”
Visitors to Lynn Canyon must be cautious and use good judgment, as water levels and conditions can change quickly. The Canyon cliffs are also steep, slippery, and unstable in some areas. Every year, the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services responds to countless rescues in Lynn Canyon Park. Tragically, there have been more than 40 deaths in Lynn Canyon over the last 50 years.
Visitors are also being reminded that alcohol consumption is not allowed at Lynn Canyon Park.
“The public can expect to see extra patrols around Lynn Canyon Park and other parks in the District of North Vancouver,” said Constable Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP. “Officers will also be enforcing the Liquor Control Act and Licencing Act (LCLA), and if you’re observed consuming liquor in a public place, you could be issued a fine under the LCLA.”
RCMP and DNVFRS have created a video to help raise awareness about the dangers of cliff jumping.
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