'It's about safety first': Authorities encouraging safety on the North Saskatchewan River this summer

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More than half the boaters on the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton were flouting safety rules last year, say authorities as they highlighted the risks ahead of the Canada Day long weekend.

Zain Haji, with the City of Edmonton Park Rangers unit, said there was a “notable increase” in usage of the North Saskatchewan River in 2021, likely due to the hot temperatures and people wanting to be outside during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the increased usage, park rangers and the Edmonton Police Service marine unit performed more than 5,500 safety compliance checks in the summer of 2021, said Haji.

“Nearly half the boaters we encountered were not in compliance with boating regulations and were putting themselves at great risk,” he said.

“When on the river, boaters are required to bring all relevant safety gear outlined by Transport Canada. At minimum, this includes a personal floatation device for each person on board, or a lifejacket, a throw bag and a whistle or sound signalling device and a water-type flashlight when travelling during low light.”

Bruce McWhinnie, chief of special operations with Edmonton Fire Rescue Service (EFRS), said they receive about 150 calls for service each summer, however, each call does not result in a rescue.

“At some point, somebody felt like somebody was exceeding their capacity and they initiated a call to 911,” he said.

McWhinnie said river users need to ask themselves if they are able to self-rescue if an incident happens and they are separated from the device they’re riding on.

“Do you have the ability to get yourself back on it or get back to shore? If you can’t self-rescue, my recommendation is that you stay off the swift water environment,” said McWhinnie, adding it’s important to be “well-informed” prior to hitting the water this weekend.

Const. Derek Jones with the Edmonton Police Service regularly patrols the river and he said the water can be unpredictable and conditions can change day-by-day. He recommends water users read the Safe Boating Guide for tips on how to stay safe.

Jones said river users should always wear a life jacket, have access to a signalling device and keep a cellphone in a waterproof case or dry bag so if someone ends up in the water they can call rescuers to their location.

He added it’s important for people to stay sober in and around the water.

“It’s about safety first and being prepared. Wearing that life jacket will keep you afloat in the calm water up top, because in running water like this, there’s some turbulence underneath that you’re not seeing. Sounding devices and travelling in groups is also a good idea because help is just a call away,” said Jones.

ktaniguchi@postmedia.com

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