We’ve had more than our fair share of tragedy in the last few months.
Most recently, rescue crews were scrambled to try to and save a woman from Burnaby after she was swept away in Rubble Creek on Sunday.
RCMP report that the person was trying to go for an afternoon swim at the time.
Crews recovered her body Sunday evening.
This has become an all-too familiar scenario.
It wasn’t too long ago that Squamish entered the national spotlight after three popular adventure vloggers were killed in an accident in Shannon Falls.
People come to the self-described outdoor recreation capital of Canada, hoping to get in on the fun — and for good reason, there’s a lot to appreciate out here in Squamish.
But one thing that seems to be a concerning trend is the ongoing sentiment from visitors that this is Disneyland.
Well, echoing my editor’s tweet (which inspired this whole rant), I’d like to say no — we’re not.
There are similarities, no doubt. Like Disneyland or any other theme park, Squamish offers a lot of activities that can get your adrenaline pumping hard and fast.
Whether it’s kiteboarding, climbing, mountain biking or hiking up a steep trail, these activities can at times offer that feeling of imminent danger, and that’s the fun of it.
It can be like strapping into a roller coaster.
But unlike Disneyland, the consequence of a momentary slip-up is very real and very immediate.
There are moments when this is forgivable. Anyone who’s done any of the sports we’re known for in Squamish has a story of a bad wipe-out.
However, there are moments when it’s very clear that people need to put in more effort to educate themselves.
For instance, many in town are aware that Rubble Creek is a dangerous place to swim.
It would be good to ask around to get a sense of where the safety boundaries are.
So my advice for visitors, though it may seem common sense, would be for people to consult guidebooks or those familiar with the area before venturing out.
There’s nothing wrong with getting information from Instagram, but it shouldn’t be the only source of information people have before going on long, potentially hazardous hikes.
This doesn’t just apply to hiking — it also accounts for any type of activity you’d do outside.
Also, while I’m at it: pick up your garbage.
Unlike Disneyland, we don’t have paid staffers walking every inch of every trail to pick up after you.
Take all these things into account, and Squamish could be The Happiest Place on Earth for you too.
