Boundary Bay in Tsawwassen. Photo Shutterstock
Stay close to shore.
That’s the warning Mayor Lois Jackson reiterated at Delta council Monday talking about a scary incident for a youngster who found himself stuck in quicksand-like mud in Boundary Bay.
“Please stay safe and close to shore. There are muddy areas around Boundary Bay that can be just like quicksand. The safest area to explore are the tidal flats in front of Centennial Beach. So this is a real important announcement for people who tend to travel far outside of the regular beach,” she said.
Jackson commended the quick-thinking of Const. Derek Gallamore who responded to call of a youth stuck in quicksand-like mud around noon on May 12 near 12th Avenue and Boundary Bay Road.
Police say the youth was exploring the beach area and was approximately 100 yards from shore when he sank to his waist.
Gallamore found a long piece of driftwood to use as a base and then tossed the rope out to the boy, instructing him to tie the rope around his waist.
“Then I told him to push on the long piece of driftwood as I pulled the rope,” Gallamore said after the incident. “Unfortunately the area was like quicksand. I also sank to my knees at one point. But I got myself clear and then proceeded to pull him out.”
Police also issued reminder to the public that there are a number of very deep muddy areas that can be like quicksand in various locations in Boundary Bay.
