Calgary Fire Department issues boating advisory for the Bow River

Following this weekend’s rain event, the Bow River has exceeded recommended safe flow rates for boating or swimming. Effective immediately, the Calgary Fire Department advises against boating and all other water activities on the Bow River during this time. 

Flooding over riverbanks is not expected, however high flow rates may continue, making conditions on and near the river dangerous. Pathways near the river may continue to be affected. Water temperature remains cold and with the higher flow rates water turbidity is increased, making hazards difficult to see.  

“For the safety of river users and emergency responders, the Calgary Fire Department advises everyone to stay off the Bow River until safer conditions return and the boating advisory is lifted,” says Calgary Fire Deputy Chief Pete Steenaerts.  

“We know that Calgarians love their rivers, yet we also know that when our waterways flow this high and fast, there’s significant risk to anyone, regardless of your watercraft or skill level.” 

Along with turbidity and debris, conditions for a Calgary Fire Department boating advisory include Bow River flow rates exceeding 280 cubic metres per second above the Elbow River confluence. Calgary Fire and its Aquatics Team will continue to monitor Calgary’s waterways while the advisory is in place and will notify Calgarians when the boating advisory is removed.  

It is important for Calgarians near the river to be careful due to high flow levels. Calgarians are urged to: 

• Exercise caution around riverbanks as the fast-moving water can cause erosion and destabilization. 
• Warn their children about the dangers of fast-moving water, particularly those residents who live near the rivers. 
• Cyclists and pedestrians should watch for low-lying areas where the river can submerge the pathways. 
• Keep pets away from fast moving water. 

Visit calgary.ca/watersafety for more information as well as calgary.ca/flood for the latest information on river conditions. Visit calgary.ca/pathwayclosures for up-to-date information on pathway closures.