Mounties issue water safety warning for North Shore nature goers
Summer weather has arrived early in Metro Vancouver, meaning people are flocking to local trails, parks and beaches to spend the warm, sunny days outdoors.
As more people are heading out to enjoy the city’s wilderness areas, North Vancouver RCMP issued water safety tips for those spending time at the North Shore’s rivers and lakes.
This warning comes after a man was rescued from Lynn Canyon’s strong currents before going over a waterfall, and the tragic drowning death of Keen Lau when he was swept away by fast-flowing Cypress Creek.
Both incidents occurred over the May long weekend, which was also a busy time for North Shore Rescue, which issued a warning after rescuing three hikers from Cypress Provincial Park.
In a Wednesday news release, Mounties say that while beautiful, North Vancouver’s natural waterways are often fast moving, cold and unpredictable, so it is important to be aware of the risks that could lead to accident and injury when swimming, fishing or hiking near these bodies of water.
“With the beautiful and sunny weather we’ve had lately, we wanted to take time and remind North Van residents to tread carefully when spending time around the water,” says Cst. Mansoor Sahak in the release.
“It is vitally important to be mindful of areas of fast-flowing water and strong currents, even if you do not plan on getting wet. Slippery rocks, drop-offs and unseen debris can lead to potentially dangerous situations,” he continues.
RCMP warn not to put your feet in fast-moving water that is deeper than the length of your arm. “If a foot becomes entrapped by rocky bottom in deep water, the current will eventually push the swimmer over face first into the water,” the release reads.
Other safety tips provided include wearing a life jacket, staying out of the water if you can’t swim, letting someone know before you go to a lesser-travelled area and not drinking alcohol before getting in water.
According to police, not wearing a life jacket or personal floatation device contributes to 84 per cent of boating deaths. Regulations require all boats, including canoes and kayaks, to have an approved personal floatation device for each person.
Additionally, “in water below 15 C, life jackets provide insulation and help avoid cold water shock and hypothermia — dangers even the strongest swimmers can't avoid,” police say.
Mounties also urge guardians to keep children within sight and reach. Young children can drown in just one inch of water, and according to police, two-thirds of drowning deaths among children under five-years-old happen when they aren’t being supervised.
North Vancouver RCMP says it will be patrolling shorelines throughout the summer.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
COMING UP @ 3:30 P.M. City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.