City encouraging life jackets for river safety ahead of August long weekend

Park rangers in Edmonton have issued hundreds of warnings over life jacket use on the river since bylaws changed requiring river users to wear one.

As people look to enjoy the long weekend and potentially cool off in rivers, the City of Edmonton is reminding people to keep safety a top priority.

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Park Rangers have noticed people entering bodies of water aren’t wearing life jackets, the city said in a news release on Thursday.

In May, the city implemented a lifejacket bylaw that requires everyone on a floating or on a vessel on the river to wear a lifejacket at all times.

Zain Haji, a peace officer with the marine unit, says that includes everything from a floating unicorn to a jet boat.

“If you don’t have (a lifejacket)at all, you can be charged under the Canada Shipping Act or directed to leave the water,” he said.

Haji says education is the first priority for officers as the bylaw is fairly new.

“The goal of this bylaw is to ensure everyone who wants to enjoy the water in Edmonton is able to make it home safely,” the city said in a news release.

“A life jacket can help prevent drowning in case of an emergency and ensure the safety of our first responders during rescues.”

So far this year, Park Rangers have given 473 warnings for people not wearing a life jacket and have issued one ticket. Haji says that a ticket can cost $250 for each person not wearing a lifejacket at all times. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services have been called to 24 requests for help at the North Saskatchewan River in the spring and summer months already.

If you are planning to head out onto the water, be sure to check the weather, the river depth and flow rate and pack safety equipment.

“The North Saskatchewan River can be unpredictable, with fast underwater currents, strong undertows and unforeseen hazards including underwater debris, floating trees and wood, and muddy shorelines,” the city said.

Haji says currents are higher than usual right now which can cause boats and vessels to run into debris they wouldn’t normally.

“Right now the river is flowing at about 360 cubic metres per second, which is fairly fast for this time of year. On average you’re looking at about 190 to 250 cubic metres per second,” Haji said.

‘It’s just the way to go’

Avid boater Greg Saur says he’s aware of the lifejacket rule but apprehension from people can come from wearing an additional layer in the heat.

He says he’s seen people on the river with no boating experience and often guides people to follow the rules.

“Everything happens for a reason and it happens fast on the water, I’d sure hate to see anybody hurt and if it means wearing one of these (lifejackets) while you’re on the water, I think it’s just the way to go,” Saur said.

People are asked to contact Edmonton Fire Rescue Services if there is an emergency.