Eleven people, including youth, were rescued after a canoe flipped near Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver. Police stress water safety.
Rescue Teams Rush to West Vancouver Waters
A weekend canoe trip near Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver turned into a sudden emergency when a canoe flipped in Burrard Inlet.
On Sunday afternoon, RCMP marine officers were already working in Metro Vancouver waters for FIFA World Cup support. However, they quickly changed course after receiving a call about the overturned canoe.
Soon after the alert, four marine tactical boats reached the area. There, officers found 11 people in the water. They were holding onto the overturned canoe, while some struggled to stay above the surface.
Diver Helps Bring All 11 People to Safety
As the rescue continued, a police diver entered the water to assist the group. Fortunately, no one was trapped under the canoe.
One by one, all 11 people were taken out of the water. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. However, some people showed signs of cold exposure after spending time in the water.
Police Share Important Summer Water Safety Tips
Following the rescue, RCMP reminded boaters and paddlers to prepare before heading out on the water.
First, police advised people to always carry proper safety gear, including life-jackets. Also, they urged boaters to watch for changing sea conditions and stay alert.
The reminder comes only days after another tragic marine incident near Richmond, B.C. In that case, a charter boat sank, and seven of the 10 people on board died. Police later said none of the passengers were wearing life-jackets.
Therefore, officials continue to encourage everyone to take water safety seriously, especially during the busy summer boating season.
Report by The Canadian Press.
