17 paddleboarders rescued from under Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Vancouver police have a reminder for those hoping to enjoy the waters of Burrard Inlet after 17 paddleboarders had to be rescued this week.

According to the VPD, a group of 30 paddleboarders tried to cross English Bay on Monday after leaving from Jericho during high winds and strong current.

They were headed toward Ambleside Park in West Vancouver when more than half of the group got caught in the current, drifting toward the Lions Gate Bridge.

“Their lack of experience, combined with wind, tides, and waves created by heavy marine traffic, pushed the paddleboarders into a treacherous situation,” explained VPD Sgt. Steve Addison.

#VPDNews: Vancouver Police are reminding paddleboarders and kayakers to use caution on the water after 17 wayward paddleboarders had to be rescued from heavy wind and waves near the Lions Gate Bridge Monday. https://t.co/F2ggKP2MTQ pic.twitter.com/wyfXwckVRk

— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) September 7, 2021

Police were called in after the group was spotted by a port authority tugboat operator. The Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue were also called in to assist in the rescue.

While 17 people had to be rescued, the VPD says the remaining 13 were able to make it across to the North Shore.

Paddle close to shore

“This mishap is a good reminder for anyone venturing out on the water to stay close to shore if you don’t have the skills and experience to safely navigate in open water,” said Addison.

“Unfortunately, this group thought there was safety in numbers, and they greatly underestimated the conditions.”

The VPD is reminding people using paddleboards and other human-powered vessels like kayaks that such activities are not allowed between Siwash Rock and the Berry Point refinery, which is just east of the Ironworkers Bridge in Burnaby.

The Burrard Inlet is a major shipping lane that can be dangerous for paddleboarders and kayakers due to wind, tides, and traffic.