Authorities in Port Moody, British Columbia, are warning people to stay off the mudflats in the Burrard Inlet. These muddy areas may look solid but can act like quicksand, trapping anyone who steps onto them.
The warning comes as warmer weather draws more visitors to local parks and trails. The city says the mudflats may seem harmless but are in fact one of the most dangerous natural features in the area.
Each year, the Port Moody Fire Rescue responds to two or three rescue calls from people stuck in the mudflats. According to Deputy Fire Chief Mike Cornish, these emergencies often take several hours and use up critical time and resources.
“It takes our crews away from other calls,” Cornish explained. “Every rescue takes at least a couple of hours.”
He added that during the hot season, people stuck in the mudflats may suffer from dehydration and stress. That can make the situation even more dangerous, especially if the person panics or if the tide starts to rise.
Rescuing someone from the mudflats is a complex task. Firefighters must use a small vehicle to reach the person, carry heavy equipment, and clean everything afterward. These operations take time and reduce the fire department’s ability to respond to other emergencies.
Cornish said the number of people visiting the area has gone up in recent years. As a result, the number of incidents has also increased.
“We’ve seen more rescues as more people visit the parks,” he said. “It’s important for everyone to be aware of the risk.”
The mudflats are located near several popular walking and cycling trails. Clear warning signs are posted along these trails, but some people still leave the marked paths and walk onto the mud.
Cornish urges everyone to obey the signs and stay on the trails. “The mudflats might look dry, but they are not safe,” he said.
Local trail users agree with the warning. Colin Godwin, a cyclist who walks his dogs along the trail, said the mud can quickly become a serious hazard.
“If the tide comes in while someone is stuck, that could be a disaster,” Godwin said. “One of my dogs once ran out after some birds, and it was terrifying. You just sink.”
The mudflats are a natural part of the Burrard Inlet. When the tide is low, they stretch out over a wide area, exposing layers of soft mud and sediment. While they may look firm from a distance, the ground is unstable and can trap people within seconds.
Authorities stress that while the mudflats may seem like an interesting place to explore, they are best admired from a distance.
“Look, but don’t touch,” Cornish said. “That’s the safest choice.”
