After two recent cases of drownings near Long Beach, many are calling for the restoration of the surf guard program in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
The surf guard towers were pulled down in 2012 after the Harper Government cancelled funding to many west coast marine safety services.
Courtenay – Alberni MP Gord Johns took those concerns back to Ottawa this week and pushed the Liberal Government to restore surf guards in the most dangerous areas used by the growing number of surfers like Lovekin Rock.
Johns said before the SurfGuard program was cancelled they reported an average of 8 rescues a year, and 800 consultations where they spoke face-to-face with surfers advising them of areas to steer clear of.
He said he spoke out against the cuts when they happened in 2012, and worked closely with Parks Canada and the District of Tofino in his role then as the head of the Tofino Chamber of Commerce.