Woman Swept Out of Raft by Bow River Waves

At approximately 4:00 this afternoon the Calgary Fire Department responded to the Bow River and 10 ST N.W. for reports of a woman in distress.  When firefighters arrived they found that the woman had been rescue by other members of her party and was awaiting responders on shore. 

According to the woman, a group 7 adults were floating down the Bow in an inflatable raft when the raft struck a bridge abutment at 10 ST N.W.  The impact forced the raft into a deep channel with large standing waves. The waves tossed the craft and launched the woman into the water.  Thankfully, she was wearing a PFD and managed to keep her head above water. The current quickly carried her downstream while the remainder of her party frantically paddled to reach her.  They eventually rescued her 400 meters downstream and pulled her to shore. The woman, who appeared uninjured, was interviewed by Calgary firefighters but refused a medical assessment.  She was also questioned by EMS but was not treated.

Wearing a properly fitting lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) is the law Bylaw 9084.

Being intoxicated while on the water is illegal, as is the transport of alcohol.

Never tie rafts or boats together.

Be responsible and respectful of other river users and of private properties along the river.

The law states that all vessels under six metres in length must carry:

River conditions can change daily. Be aware of water levels, temperature, current, visibility, 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.

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