More education needed, says man whose father drowned in North Saskatchewan River
Posted June 6, 2023 3:28 pm.
Last Updated June 6, 2023 6:29 pm.
An Edmonton man whose father died in the North Saskatchewan River two years ago is speaking out about the dangers and calling for more education.
Strider White lost his father Rob White on April 6, 2021.
Rob fell through the ice while attempting to rescue a stranger’s dog near Sir Wilfred Laurier Park. He was carried down the river towards an ice shelf.
His body was recovered 10 days later near Government House Park and Groat Road.
“There’s a major lack of education surrounding river safety in our community,” said Strider.
“We need more perhaps signage. I’m not saying we should be afraid of the river, I think there needs to be maybe a QR code on a sign that takes you to a webpage that explains how to be safe, or things to look out for.
“Who’s going to not want more safety? Who would be against more awareness?”
14-year-old boy still missing
Strider made his way down to the North Saskatchewan River after hearing about the 14-year-old boy who went missing while out swimming over the weekend.
Edmonton police say four teens were swimming in the river near Terwillegar Park around 5 p.m. Sunday when one of the boys got caught in the current and was carried downstream.
By 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, police said the boy was still not found.
Risks beneath the water: experts share swimming safety tips as search for missing boy continues
“I totally understand what the family is going through,” Strider told CityNews Tuesday afternoon.
“I lost my father to this river two years ago, and now we’re in another tragedy two years later, and I feel more of an emphasis on education is required so that a tragedy like this never happens again in this city.
“My approach isn’t to try and fearmonger surrounding the river, I think it’s beautiful, but we need to be more aware when enjoying it.”
Strider White, whose father died in the North Saskatchewan River in 2021, by the riverside on June 6, 2023. (Laura Krause/CityNews)
Strider believes several people are unaware of the dangers of the North Saskatchewan River particularly, as it has a strong undercurrent not always evident from the surface.
“We have a growing city, we have a lot of newcomers that are coming to the city that might not necessarily be aware of this river in particular,” he said. “There’s a lot of rivers out there with varying complexities and dangers around them. This river in particular is very dangerous. It has a very strong undertow and people need to be vigilant of the conditions of the water before enjoying it.
“You need to be aware and vigilant at all times of the water. It’s not just about common sense. It’s about education, being vigilant and passing that information on to your children.”
WATCH: Officials urge caution on North Saskatchewan river ahead of summer
First responders told CityNews earlier this month there is increased traffic on the North Saskatchewan River in the past couple of years, leading to a rise in rescues.
While the river is seen as an attraction, officials say conditions can change rapidly and Edmontonians need to be prepared.
“It is dangerous any time of the year, Strider said. “If there is ice, do not walk on the ice. If there is a strong current, do not swim where there is a strong current. At all times of year, it is dangerous.”
