Long weekend brings safety advisory for Calgary’s rivers

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – As another summer long weekend approaches, the City of Calgary is reminding you to be prepared when on the water.

The City has partnered with the Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police Service and Calgary Community Standards to raise the issue of water safety.

“Accidents can happen even when you do everything right,” said Carol Henke, public information officer with the fire department. “The importance of lifejackets, even in shallow, slow-moving water, cannot be exaggerated.”

Acting Deputy Fire Chief Guido Falk adds there are many things not to do on the water.

“(There’s) zero tolerance for transporting or consuming alcohol on the river as well as tying boats together, tying floatation devices together. It’s incredibly dangerous as the water’s unpredictable, what’s coming up ahead is unpredictable, you don’t need to be tethered up at the time.”

RELATED: Recent drowning deaths highlight need for water safety

Police and Bylaw officers will be on Calgary’s rivers this weekend and throughout the summer to enforce these rules.

For Calgary Community Standards Inspector Cheryl Townsend, enforcement is the first step to saving lives.

“Many people don’t realize what’s at stake when they venture out onto the water without mandatory lifejackets. A ticket for failing to wear a lifejacket entails a mandatory court appearance and up to $500 in fines.”

The fire department is urging water users to monitor conditions and avoid the rivers altogether during high-flow advisories, “Stay alert, be prepared for water hazards and learn to swim-it can save your life.”

You should familiarize yourself with safety practices and bylaws at calgary.ca/watersafety and check flow levels at rivers.alberta.ca.

WATCH: Staying safe on the water

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