They may look like a safe shortcut during low tide, but the mudflats in Port Moody could land you in serious danger.
On Friday, July 18, the City of Port Moody shared a renewed safety reminder on social media, relaying a warning from Port Moody Fire Rescue.
The warning, posted on the City's official Facebook page, describes the mudflats as "dangerous and unpredictable" and warns that they "can act like quicksand in some areas."
The post notes that "people and animals can sink, get stuck, and be unable to get out before the tide comes in."
According to Port Moody Fire Rescue, responding to a single mudflat incident typically requires a crew of eight firefighters and takes about two hours.
Most rescues happen near Rocky Point Park, according to Platoon Capt. Will Patterson, who spoke to Daily Hive.
"People tend to walk out onto the flats when the tide is low, not realizing how fast conditions can shift," he said.
The real danger lies in the mud's suction effect, Patterson said.
"It's kind of like a plunger," he said. "Once your feet go in, the more you move, the more stuck you get... and panic or fatigue can make things worse."
Rescues can also involve injuries, such as cut feet from hidden debris or hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold water.
Patterson said pets are sometimes involved, too.
"Sometimes a dog goes out and gets stuck... or appears to... and their owner tries to rescue them, then gets trapped themselves."
Crews use specialized footwear and tools like water lances to break the mud's suction.
"We flood the area around their feet to release the vacuum," he said. "Once freed, we usually have them sit on a spine board to bring them back safely."
Because access can be limited, Port Moody Fire Rescue often works with the Canadian Coast Guard and their hovercraft team.
"It's a big coordinated effort," Patterson said. "And it takes time... around two hours, depending on the case."
If someone becomes trapped, the City advises them to stay calm and avoid struggling, which could lead to injury or deeper sinking.
Bystanders are instructed to call 911 and request a fire response rather than attempting a rescue themselves.
The mudflats aren't just risky for people, but they're also a vital part of the local ecosystem.
According to the City of Port Moody's website, this stretch of shoreline is one of the last large intertidal wetlands in Burrard Inlet (that's the zone that's underwater during high tide and exposed as mud when the tide goes out).
When that happens, it reveals a muddy feeding ground packed with tiny creatures living just under the surface, food for birds, fish, and other marine life.
This area is part of Port Moody's Tidal Park, which is protected for conservation and leased long-term by the City from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
Because the wildlife here is sensitive to noise and disturbance, people and pets are asked to stay off and follow posted rules.
To protect both people and the fragile marine ecosystem, the City has outlined the following rules:
With hot weather and low tides drawing more people to the waterfront, the City is asking the public to share the warning widely and be mindful of posted signs along the shore.