Why Cliff-Jumping is a Bad Idea
- kc dyer
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Advice from Lions Bay Search and Rescue
Editor's note: The cliffs near Lions Bay have been a draw for thrill-seekers as long as anyone can remember. Unfortunately, along with the thrill have come many accidents over the years — leading to broken bones (including skulls and backs) and risk of drowning. Recently, members of Lions Bay Search and Rescue were called to the site, and have a few thoughts to share on the subject.
Story by LBSAR member Maria Masiar
The cliff-jumping area located below the railway tracks consists of a series of jumps ranging from approximately 10 to over 30 metres in height. The area is accessed by crossing railway property and is legally off-limits, as trains regularly travel through the corridor.
In a recent incident, a 20-year-old male sustained a shoulder dislocation while jumping from the cliffs. During the jump, his arms were extended and one arm was caught by the water on impact, forcing it backward and dislocating the shoulder. Because the cliffs themselves cannot be climbed from the water, the subject then had to swim approximately 100 metres with the injury to reach an area where he could safely exit onto shore.
Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR) responded, alongside Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue. Rescue crews assisted the subject from shore and transported him to Horseshoe Bay, where BC Emergency Health Services assumed patient care. Due to the nature of the injury, our team physician reduced the shoulder (realigned, using pain management) on scene to facilitate a safe transfer into the rescue boat.
LBSAR does not endorse recreational cliff jumping at this location due to the significant hazards involved. Depending on the height of the jump, individuals can enter the water at speeds ranging from approximately 50 to 80 km/h — similar to the speed of a vehicle travelling on a highway. At these speeds, even a slight error in body position can result in serious injuries, including dislocations, head injuries, spinal trauma, or drowning.
In addition to the risks associated with the jump itself, participants should consider the hazards posed by railway access, changing water levels, submerged obstacles, cold water, and the difficulty of self-rescue should an injury occur.
Our advice is simple: understand the risks, make informed decisions, and remember that injuries in remote shoreline locations can quickly become complex rescue incidents.
Want to support LBSAR efforts? The team relies on specialized technical equipment that needs to be replaced as it wears out. Donations can be made HERE.
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