Edmontonians asked to be safe on the river this summer

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    Edmonton emergency services have seen an increase in water rescue events since the onset of the pandemic. Laura Krause has more on how to be safe on the North Saskatchewan River this summer.

    It’s more expensive than ever to go on vacation this summer, even in Alberta with higher gas prices. That means more staycations, and more people enjoying the waters of the North Saskatchewan River.

    Edmonton and area emergency services are asking Edmontonians to be safe on the river this summer.

    Zain Haji with the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care and Park Rangers says, “We saw a notable increase in usage on the North Saskatchewan River last year compared to 2020.” But that comes with an increase in water rescues.

    Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.

    Edmonton Fire Rescue Services boats. (Photo Credit: Laura Krause, CityNews)

    In the summer of 2020, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responded to 104 water rescue events. Last summer, that number increased to 138 including animal rescues. To date in 2022, there have been 42 water rescues.

    “Moving water is relentless,” says Bruce McWhinnie, with the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. “And as the depths increase and the flow increases, it has a greater impact on your body.”

    Red Cross says wearing a lifejacket could eliminate up to 90 per cent of boating-related drownings.


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    “Wearing that life jacket will keep you afloat in the calm water on top because, with a moving body like there, there is some turbulence underneath that you can’t see. So it looks calm right now and flat but underneath there is water in motion, and rocks,” warns Derek Jones, a constable at the Edmonton Police Service.

    Red Cross also says alcohol is a factor in over 40 per cent of recreational boating fatalities according to the Red Cross.

    Chris Mosley with the Devon RCMP says he wants folks to enjoy the river valley, but to do so safely and responsibly. “If you want to have a drink, do it afterwards. After you’re off the water, where it is safe to do so, for the safety of you and everyone else,” he says.

    Marine units from several agencies in and around Edmonton will be on the river this summer enforcing bylaws and educating boaters on river safety.

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