First responders warn against Lynn Canyon cliff-jumping

When he was 19, District of North Vancouver Fire Chief Mike Danks said he took part in a popular but risky pastime that he now warns against: cliff-jumping.

But as he was making his way along a circuit of jumps at Lynn Canyon, Danks said, he slipped and sliced his hand open on broken glass. Decades later, he still has a scar running from his palm to his wrist.

"That was a very deep cut," he said, while standing on the suspension bridge overlooking that jumping area. 

"Fortunately, I had friends with me and we were able to make our way out, but that was a big lesson for me. I didn't want to be in that situation again."

Danks told his story amid an effort by the North Vancouver RCMP and the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) that cautions visitors to Lynn Canyon Park, which receives over half a million annually, against the pastime. 

"We've obviously had way too many tragedies," said Const. Mansoor Sahak, a media relations officer with North Vancouver RCMP, in early August.

Most recently, a man in his 20s died in early July after cliff jumping at Twin Falls in Lynn Canyon. There have also been deaths due to confirmed or suspected cliff-jumping accidents in 2020 and 2016.  

Police said there have been more than 40 deaths in the park over the last 50 years. The district's Fire Rescue Services said it responds to "countless rescues" each year.

WATCH | North Vancouver first responders warn about the dangers of cliff diving: 

North Vancouver first responders warn about the dangers of cliff diving

4 months ago

Duration 2:15

With warm weather coming up, emergency officials are cautioning people against cliff diving. The warning follows the death of a young man who had jumped into Lynn Canyon this summer. Jon Hernandez made the trip to the North Vancouver park, where thrill seekers continue taking to the cliffs.

This summer, Sahak said police and the district's park rangers are increasing patrols at Lynn Canyon. He added that alcohol consumption is not allowed in the area.

"It's a beautiful park, so we're not telling people not to go there," he said. 

"We're telling people to know about the dangers and the dangerous cliffs there. It's very slippery. It's very cold water, even during the summer season."

Barry MacRury also warned against the idea. He said he cliff jumped in the area when he was 14 and nearly drowned.

"That water is like liquid ice," he said. "You don't realize how cold it is until it hits you."