Fire crews rescued three paddleboarders from the Bow River downstream of Edworthy Park on Tuesday morning. Rescue crews arrived at the scene shortly before noon and located one adult and two youths in the water, holding onto a cluster of trees.
Rescue operation and safety measures
Two aquatic rescue jet boats were deployed, and all three people were safely brought to shore. Rescue crews were also able to retrieve their paddleboards and other belongings. Though all three were wearing life jackets and none were injured, the Calgary Fire Department called the incident “a close call” in a statement.
The department added that the Bow River’s flow rate is almost double the threshold for a river safety advisory at more than 500 cubic meters per second.
Advisory against water activities
“The current conditions are not suitable for recreational activities,” the statement said. “The very fast flow rate, along with debris in the water and other hidden hazards beneath the surface make it very challenging to paddle. This increases the risk of getting pushed into hazards such as trees and bridge pillars, and being pinned by the rush of cold water.”
The Calgary Fire Department issued a boating advisory on Monday, advising against any boating and all other water activities on the Bow and Elbow Rivers. High flow rates are expected to persist through the week.
Officials urge caution
“While the school year has ended and everyone is excited for summer, the Calgary Fire Department advises everyone to stay off the Bow and the Elbow Rivers until safer conditions return and the river safety advisory is lifted,” CFD public information officer Alex Kwan said Monday.
“We know that Calgarians love their rivers, and as we head into the Stampede, we welcome lots of visitors, so we want to remind everyone that when our waterways flow this high and fast, there’s significant risk, regardless of your watercraft or skill level. Those walking near our city’s rivers, including people with pets, should be careful as well.”
