Police and Fire renew warning over cliff-jumping at Lynn Canyon
North Vancouver
2024-07-30 15:54 PDT
File # 2024
North Vancouver RCMP and District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (DNVFRS) are urging 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 per year. While beautiful, its steep cliffs, rushing river and forested areas can be a challenge for visitors unfamiliar with rugged terrain.
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 need to be cautious and use good judgement, as water levels and conditions can change very quickly, and the Canyon cliffs are steep, slippery, and in some areas unstable.
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 should also be aware that consumption of alcohol 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.
To help raise awareness about the dangers of cliff jumping in Lynn Canyon, the RCMP and DNVFRS have teamed up to create the following video:
Transcription
Video description
North Vancouver RCMP and District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services are warning Lynn Canyon parkgoers to exercise caution ahead of long weekend. Every year, Police and Fire respond to countless rescues in Lynn Canyon Park. Tragically, there have been more than 40 deaths in Lynn Canyon over the last 50 years.
Transcription
[two shot of RCMP Constable Mansoor Sahak and District Fire Chief Mike Danks]
Cst. Mansoor Sahak:
Hey everyone, my name is Constable Mansoor Sahak. I'm the Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP.
District Fire Chief Mike Danks:
And I'm Mike Danks with the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services.
[sign displaying Lynn Canyon Park rules and regulations including no smoking or vaping, no alcohol and numbers to call in case of emergency]
Cst. Mansoor Sahak:
Today we're at Lynn Canyon Park, here to provide you with some safety messages to help keep you and your family safe.
District Fire Chief Mike Danks:
With the nice weather we've had lately, we've had a huge influx of visitors and locals that have come to enjoy Lynn Canyon. And we want to make you aware of some of the hazards that are here so you can enjoy the park safely.
[visitors to Lynn Canyon Park standing on Twin Falls Bridge]
[parkgoers descending down rocky terrain in Lynn Canyon]
[patrons walking along a trail and descending down steps in Lynn Canyon Park]
Cst. Mansoor Sahak:
Lynn Canyon Park is a popular spot, receiving over half a million visitors per year.
District Fire Chief Mike Danks:
While Lynn Canyon is very popular for visitors, it also has a lot of hazards. Although much of the cliff access in Lynn Canyon is fenced off with warning signs, people still go out of bounds over the fences to cliff jump.
[alternate angle of parkgoers descending down rocky terrain in Lynn Canyon]
[sign displaying Lynn Canyon Park rules and regulations, zooming in on text that reads Stay Behind the Fence at all Times
]
Cst. Mansoor Sahak:
While cliff jumping is not illegal currently, visitors need to be informed about the extreme risk associated to cliff jumping. We strongly advise against it.
[sign that reads Don’t Cliff Jump.
affixed to a wire fence]
[shot of the sign with injuries and fatalities at Twin Falls Bridge over the years]
District Fire Chief Mike Danks:
It's extremely dangerous to cliff jump in Lynn Canyon. The water is very, very cold. A lot of people don't realize this and when they hit the water it takes your breath away and hypothermia can set in within minutes.
[Twin Falls viewed from above, with water rushing and jagged rocks]
[rushing water viewed through linked fencing on Twin Falls bridge]
Cst. Mansoor Sahak:
Not only is the water extremely cold, the cliffs are steep and slippery and some areas are unstable. There are extremely strong currents and underwater rock hazards that you may not be aware of.
[steep cliffs, trees and rushing water located in Lynn Canyon Park]
[a stream that features many loose rocks and rushing water viewed through the leaves of Lynn Canyon’s foliage]
[jagged rocks and rushing water below Lynn Canyon’s Twin Falls]
District Fire Chief Mike Danks:
Every year, the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services responds to countless rescues in Lynn Canyon Park.
[The District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services logo pictured on the side of a fire truck]
[District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue emergency responders pictured next to a District of North Vancouver sign that reads Extreme Caution. High Water Conditions. Strong Currents.
]
Cst. Mansoor Sahak:
And tragically, many people have died over the years, with the majority being young people. Peer pressure plays a role in many of these tragedies that occur at Lynn Canyon Park.
[District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue emergency responders carrying an injured person up a set of stairs]
[a sign at Lynn Canyon’s 30-foot pool that includes injuries and fatalities that have occurred at that location over the years]
[another sign, this time for 90-foot pool that also shows how dangerous it can be to cliff jump at this location]
Cst. Mansoor Sahak:
So we're asking you, don't be that guy. Don't peer pressure your friends into doing something dangerous that could cost them their life.
District Fire Chief Mike Danks:
Park rangers are on site to educate the public on how to enjoy the park safely. In good weather, we increase the amount of park rangers that are here.
[a patched logo on the side of a park ranger that reads RANGER, District of North Vancouver]
Park Ranger #1:
One of the main concerns that we have and questions we have is asking about cliff jumping when people are visiting Lynn Canyon. What we try to tell people is the river changes on a daily basis, the hazards change on a daily basis. And when that's mixed with alcohol, which happens quite frequently unfortunately, that becomes a problem and that is our number one hazard currently at the moment.
Park Ranger #2:
We also like to let people know the terrain is very steep and the water is fast moving, so we encourage people to stay on the trails as much as possible.
Cst. Mansoor Sahak:
You'll also see extra patrols around Lynn Canyon Park and different parks around the District of North Vancouver. RCMP officers will also be enforcing the Liquor Control Act. And if you're seen or observed consuming liquor in a public place, you could be issued a fine under the Liquor Control Act.
[a sign that reads Twin Falls Bridge
before a pan over to RCMP Constable Mansoor Sahak who is on watch for any signs of trouble]
District Fire Chief Mike Danks:
There are many great ways to enjoy Lynn Canyon Park.
Cst. Mansoor Sahak:
We want you to enjoy safely and responsibly.
[ending credits RCMP graphic that includes the RCMP name in both English and French, RCMP logo, messaging from His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, and a government of Canada logo]
Released by:
Media Relations UnitNorth Vancouver RCMP
147 East 14th St, North Van., BC, V7L 2N4
Office: 604-969-7407
Cell: 778-554-1802
Email:
nvan_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: nvan.rcmp-grc.gc.ca
(English only)
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