Calgary Fire Department Aquatics Team plucks another rafter from the Bow River

 

At approximately 3:00 this afternoon, the Aquatics Rescue Team responded to reports of a capsized raft near the Louise Bridge at 10th Street S.W. Firefighters found a female who successfully swam to shore, however a male was stranded on a gravel bar. He was assessed by the fire crew and taken to shore. The couple had been rafting along 'river right' near the 10th Street Bridge when the raft hit some large debris, causing it to overturn and throwing the two rafters into the water. The pair were wearing Personal Floatation Devices and suffered minor injuries. Firefighters successfully retrieved the couple's raft, paddles and backpack.

 

The Calgary Fire Department wishes to remind Bow River users that if you decide to raft, please be very aware of the altered river channels and currents as well debris hazards in the water. Ensure you have the appropriate equipment to navigate quickly and effectively and always wear your properly fitting personal floatation device. You should also have a throw rope which is a minimum of 15 metres in length, a bailing container and a whistle attached to your PFD. Never tie rafts together. If you see someone in or on the water in distress, please call 911 immediately.

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