Man in his 20s dead after diving accident in Lynn Canyon: RCMP

A man in his 20s died Wednesday after diving from Twin Falls in Lynn Canyon, according to authorities.

The RCMP confirmed the man’s death Thursday, saying in a statement that he “was not an experienced swimmer and remained underwater for 30 minutes before emergency crews were able to get to him.”

District of North Vancouver Assistant Fire Chief Scott Ferguson said first responders were called by park rangers around 5 p.m. for reports of a swimmer in distress. A rescue boat was able to find the man, who was unconscious. CPR was administered immediately, Ferguson added.

The young man did not survive.

Ferguson says the tragic incident underscores just how dangerous the popular outdoor destination can be.

“We have signage throughout the Lynn Canyon area warning everyone of the hazards of cliff jumping – and just entering the water or swimming in the area,” he said. “It’s quite clear what the hazards are in the area.”

In addition to the fire department, paramedics and North Shore Rescue were involved in the attempts to rescue the victim.

In 2020, district firefighters said there had been 24 deaths in Lynn Canyon in the previous three decades.