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Parks Canada Cautions After Viral Canal Ski Jump
10 Jan
Summary
- A viral video shows a ski jumper barely clearing the Rideau Canal.
- Parks Canada warns against unauthorized activities and increased enforcement.
- The stunt poses significant risks of serious injury, officials state.
A recent viral video featuring a ski jump across Ottawa's Rideau Canal has led to a public safety notice from Parks Canada. The footage shows a young man, Tai How, launching off a makeshift ramp and narrowly clearing the canal's gap, ultimately crashing on the far side. This daring stunt, posted online on Christmas Eve, has drawn criticism from Parks Canada, which operates the historic waterway.
Parks Canada has emphasized that the Rideau Canal National Historic Site is not a venue for unauthorized activities like ski jumping. They have increased enforcement in the area and warned that violations could result in substantial fines, with potential trespassing penalties reaching up to $10,000. Officials are concerned about potential copycat attempts that could lead to serious injuries among the public.
Paramedics and Parks Canada officials have highlighted the extreme dangers of such stunts, including the risks of severe orthopedic, neck, back, and head injuries. They noted that a failed landing could necessitate complex and dangerous rescue operations. While the jumper stated he was uninjured beyond a hurt thumb, authorities stress the potential for life-altering harm from similar reckless acts.
