Lethbridge Fire and EMS reminding of summer river safety tips as water levels remain normal

The Oldman River is expected to be a popular place to get a reprieve from the heat this week, even if the water level is slightly below normal.

It’s expected to be a hot summer across southern Alberta, and officials are reminding those who plan to cool off in a river or another body of water to be cautious and plan ahead.

“It’s that time of year, and this is for sure a week that we expect people to start getting out there,” said Riley McLaren, a member of the Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services water rescue team.

“We’re really lucky to have the river here, and as long as we play by the rules, like having a PFD (personal flotation device) and avoiding alcohol, everyone will be safe.”

With above-seasonal temperatures blanketing most of the region for the next seven days, McLaren says the Oldman River is expected to be busy.

“Floating is one of the most popular activities on the river, and we like to stress to people to create a float plan,” he said.

“You can get in contact with a loved one or just a friend and give them the idea of what you’re going to be doing that day. That will include transportation, what you’re going to take, an entry and exit time out of the river—how long you expect to be on the river for.

“Also bring a cell phone so you can contact us if things go sideways and bring water.”

While conditions are shaping up to be ideal, the level of the water will likely drop as summer arrives.

“The reservoirs are currently about the same as they were last year at this time,” said Mark Svenson, environment manager with the City of Lethbridge.

“That said, we had less snow in the mountains, especially the mountain range that feeds the Oldman watershed, this year than we did the year before.

“So, there’s less snowpack and therefore runoff that will help fill the reservoirs.”

As of May 23, the Oldman Reservoir was 65 per cent full—below normal.

The St. Mary Reservoir was at 82 per cent full—above normal.

The Waterton Reservoir was sitting at its normal level of around 48 per cent.

“We’re kind of in a similar situation as we found ourselves last year, so we’re asking the public to conserve water where and when they can—voluntarily right now—we’re hoping to not get to any mandatory restrictions,” Svenson said.

He said Environment Canada is forecasting higher-than-normal temperatures for the start of summer, with a drier-than-average year expected.

Last year, the City of Lethbridge was able to reduce water consumption by 14 per cent through voluntary restrictions.

Those include using rain barrels, installing low-flow toilets and cutting back on the amount of water used to water lawns and flowers.

Svenson said the city also took steps to reduce water use, including limiting how often parks and green spaces are watered and reducing the hours of operation at the Legacy Spray Park and Rotary Fountain at Galt Gardens.

He said those changes were carried over and implemented at the start of this season to maximize efficiency.

“Our parks department right away decided they were going to implement the same processes as last year because it didn’t adversely impact the green spaces that we have,” Svenson said.

The city has set a target to reduce water consumption by 20 per cent by 2030.