Vancouver police say 17 paddleboarders had to be rescued from heavy wind and waves near the Lions Gate Bridge Monday.
They say the paddleboarders tried to cross English Bay just before 3 pm when more than half the group got caught in high winds and a strong current.
Police say the incident is an important reminder that the shipping lane in Burrard Inlet can be extremely dangerous due to wind, tides, and heavy boat traffic.
They say they also want to remind anyone heading out on the water that human-powered vessels like paddleboards and kayaks are not permitted between Siwash Rock and the Berry Point refinery, located east of the Second Narrows Bridge in Burnaby.