City of Calgary shares water safety tips ahead of July long weekend
Posted Jun 28, 2023 7:18 am.
It’s that time of year when Calgarians start floating, boating or kayaking on lakes or down the Bow and Elbow rivers.
But as fun as it is, water can also be risky — which is why the City of Calgary Partners in Water Safety are sharing water safety tips ahead of the July long weekend.
“The city will put out river advisories as well as water quality, the depths of the water can change very rapidly so it’s very important you check those water advisories and the river advisories,” said Alex Kwan, a community safety officer with the Calgary Fire Department.
Calgary police are reminding people to be careful and take measures to prevent drowning, especially when going with children. Parents should supervise them at all times.
“People who are coming to use the river whether it is boating, swimming or just wading with young children, have a proper fitting PFD for that child, make sure that they are wearing it. The last thing you want is an improperly fitting PFD and the child slides out of that and makes it useless,” said Cst. Alasdair Roberston-More with Calgary Police.
Read more: Man in life-threatening condition after reports of near-drowning at Calgary Bow River
It’s important to remember to plan in advance, bringing the right supplies and always wearing a life jacket.
“Most people think they can do without it, that they can survive if they get into trouble, that they can actually survive without a life jacket; but that life jacket will give you valuable time to get out of the water or be rescued,” said Susan Wall, an inspector with City of Calgary Community Standards.
There is a mandatory court appearance and a fine of up to $500 for not wearing a life jacket at all times while in a water vessel.
“Between 20 and 50 tickets throughout the summer months which doesn’t sound like too many but it’s actually too many. The fact that this amount of people are not wearing life jackets is concerning,” Wall added.
There will be a police presence at various parks and pathways where rafters, boaters, and floaters start and finish their trips. Police will also enforce regulations on consuming or transporting alcohol or drugs.
