Lynn Canyon cliff jumpers can't resist thrill despite dire warnings

Authorities in North Vancouver warn cliff jumping near the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge can be deadly, but that hasn't stopped people.

"It was nerve wracking, but it was awesome doing it," said Austin Hood Sunday after he scrambled up the cliffs under the bridge and launched himself into the cold, fast-moving waters below.

"I love it. It took some courage, but I love doing this kind of stuff."

It's not the type of bravado the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services wants to hear, considering the many rescues in the area every year for jumps gone wrong.

A little more than a year ago 17-year-old Cole Marsh, a talented lacrosse player from Port Coquitlam, died after witnesses said they saw him jump about 50 metres into the water.

"We do everything we can, from signage to park rangers, to warn people about the dangers," said Jim Bonneville, assistant fire chief with the district. 

"I think most people are aware of multiple fatalities in that area over the years."

Addison Lacasse was at the bottom of the canyon on Sunday to enjoy the warm weather, but not to jump. 

"Cole Marsh … his gravestone is right there and people are walking right by it," said Lacasse. "Maybe it's that feeling of invincibility, like that's not going to be me."

Lacasse said many jumpers like to dare each other to go higher, and there's also the thrill of having people watching.

For many jumpers though, it's just too much fun to consider the dangers of it.

"There's concerns all the time, but you got to be careful doing it," said Austin Hood. "It's at your own risk, it gets your adrenaline going, it's awesome."

with files from Jon Hernandez.