The City of Saskatoon issued an urgent warning on July 6, 2026, urging people to stay out of and away from the South Saskatchewan River after powerful currents tore away safety buoys, significantly increasing the risk of drowning.
Buoys Ripped Away by Swift Currents
According to city officials, the river's flow has become dangerously fast due to recent heavy rains and upstream dam releases. The safety buoys that mark swimming zones and warn boaters of hazards were no match for the current, leaving the river unmarked and unpredictable.
“The buoys are simply gone. The river is moving too fast and too high for them to stay in place,” said a spokesperson for the City of Saskatoon. “We cannot overstate the danger. Even strong swimmers are at risk.”
Flooding and States of Emergency
The warning comes as several Saskatchewan communities are cleaning up after floods that prompted states of emergency. The South Saskatchewan River has exceeded its banks in some areas, submerging low-lying parks and trails. Environment Canada reported that the region received more than 80 millimeters of rain in the past week, saturating the ground and swelling waterways.
“We’ve seen debris — logs, branches, even parts of docks — racing downstream,” added the spokesperson. “Anyone entering the water could be struck or pulled under.”
Public Urged to Heed Warning
The city has deployed additional signage along the riverbank and is using social media to spread the message. Police and fire crews are conducting patrols to discourage people from approaching the water. No rescues have been reported yet, but officials fear it is only a matter of time if the public does not comply.
“This is not a typical summer river condition. It is a serious hazard,” the spokesperson emphasized. “Please stay away until the river recedes and the buoys can be reinstalled.”
