Taking a dip in the water is a great way to help people stay cool amid the hot weather, but a Richmond resident is questioning people’s decision-making after seeing adults and children swimming off the beaches at Garry Point Park over the weekend.
Christina Giuliani, born and raised in Steveston, knows the area well – the Fraser River being a busy thoroughfare for many boats and merchant ships – and knows it isn’t suitable for swimming.
Relevant signs are placed at the beach saying “no lifeguards,” “dangerous currents,” and “swimming is not advised from the health district.”
“There were adults swimming quite far out, maybe 100 metres out,” said Giuliani.
“I got alarmed because big boats come through here and they aren’t used to looking for humans.
“The currents can change where the ocean is meeting the end of the Fraser River, you don’t know what’s going on below the surface and it’s extremely dangerous.”
On April 30, the Richmond News reported a frightening accident at the very same beaches, where a woman nearly drowned after a passing ship caused a mini-tidal wave to sweep up onto the walking path.
City of Richmond spokesperson Clay Adams said the water safety rules at Garry Point and other locations around the city are simple – do not swim.
“The Fraser River is a cold, strong, fast-moving and unpredictable body of water that is not recommended for swimming,” said Adams.
“The city has numerous signs posted to advise people of the risks which have been in place for many years.”
