The Calgary Fire Department, Police and Bylaw encourage river safety for summer season

Heading into the May long weekend the Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police Service and Animal & Bylaw Services want to remind Calgarians about the importance of river safety.

 

“We want to remind anyone planning to go on the water that river conditions change daily,” said Deputy Chief Ken Uzeloc, Calgary Fire Department. “Rafters, boaters and paddlers need to be aware of water levels, temperature, current, turbidity, and river hazards including bridge abutments, trees and other large debris in the water that can catch, trap or overturn vessels.”

 

Calgarians wanting to assess river conditions are encouraged to visit The City of Calgary Newsroom at www.newsroom.calgary.ca.

In 2012, the Calgary Fire Department responded to 78 incidents and Animal & Bylaw Services issued 93 tickets related to alcohol consumption, public behavior and water safety violations. Just eight tickets were issued for not wearing a lifejacket last year, which is down from 86 in 2011.  

 

“The good news is that more people are bringing and wearing their floatation devices,” said Susan Wall, Operations Co-ordinator with Animal & Bylaw Services. “But too many lifejackets are still sitting on the bottom of the boat where they can’t help you in an emergency. And when you add alcohol into the mix, a pleasant day of rafting can quickly turn to tragedy.”

The Calgary Police Service focused on educating Calgarians about responsible public behaviour with respect to public and private property and public alcohol consumption.

 

“Our waterways are for the enjoyment of all citizens,” said Deputy Chief Trevor Daroux, Calgary Police Service. “We work closely with the Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services to ensure individuals on or near the waterways are behaving in a responsible and courteous manner. Don’t drink in public spaces and be respectful of others and their property.”

 

Calgary Police strongly encourage people to act responsibly when partaking in any water-related activity regardless of where they are.  “Your safety and the safety of others should always be top of mind,” says Daroux.

 

Calgarians planning to use the Bow River are reminded that the rapids at Harvie Passage are for advanced- and expert-level white water paddlers only. Recreational rafters should exit the river and portage around the Harvie Passage. 

River safety signage is posted at various locations along the river shore, at put-in and take-out locations and on bridges and abutments thanks to The Calgary Fire Department, the Calgary Police Service and Animal & Bylaw Services and in collaboration with provincial and federal partners. 

 

For more water and river safety information, please visit www.calgary.ca and search for waterway or river safety.