NORTH Vancouver RCMP and District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (DNVFRS) are urging Lynn Canyon Park visitors – particularly those considering cliff-jumping – to exercise caution as they look for ways to cool off this summer.

They note that Lynn Canyon Park is a very popular spot for visitors, receiving over half a million visitors per year. However, while beautiful, its steep cliffs, fast flowing 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, they add.

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:

“It is extremely dangerous to cliff jump in Lynn Canyon,” said Fire Chief Mike Danks, District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, on Wednesday. “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 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.”