No boating on Bow, Elbow Rivers until further notice: Calgary firefighters

A stock photo of Centre Street Bridge and the Bow River. (Unsplash/Maxime Doré)

Calgarians are being asked not to take boats and other watercraft out on the Bow or Elbow Rivers due to rising water levels.

The Calgary Fire Department issued a boating advisory on Friday afternoon, saying the Bow River has exceeded safe recommended flow rates for boating, floating and swimming – and it’s expected that the Elbow River will continue to rise over the weekend.

“For the safety of river users and emergency responders, the Calgary Fire Department advises everyone to stay off the Bow and the Elbow Rivers until safer conditions return and the boating advisory is lifted,” said Alex Kwan, CFD’s public information officer, in a news release.

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“We know that Calgarians love their rivers, yet we also know that when our waterways flow this high and fast, there’s significant risk to anyone, regardless of your watercraft or skill level.”

Calgarians are also being asked to be cautious around the riverbanks, as the fast-moving water can erode and destabilize them, making them especially dangerous.

Officials say though overbank flooding is not anticipated, localized flooding remains possible.

As such, cyclists and pedestrians are asked to watch out when in low-lying areas where the river can submerge the pathways.

The boating advisory will be in place until further notice.