Ottawa city councillor wants more warnings about dangers of Deschênes Rapids

The City of Ottawa is looking to install signs to warn of the dangers at the Deschenes Rapids. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson says there has been an increase in rescue

An Ottawa city councillor is teaming up with firefighters to review ways to warn residents about the location and dangers of the Deschênes Rapids on the Ottawa River.

The rapids sit just east of Britannia Beach and have become an increasingly popular location for water rescue calls. Fire crews say many going out don’t know the rapids are there and are increasingly getting caught up in the rushing waters and dangerous rocks.

It’s leading to an increase in calls for 911 rescue operations on the stretch.

Nick DeFazio, public information officer for the Ottawa Fire Services, says water rescue crews have been called to 13 incidents so far this year, compared to 15 all of last summer.

“That’s a high number for already being just past July 20,” he said. “That’s a high number. What we’re seeing the most of this year is rescues off paddleboards.”

One fatality was reported last year. Rescue operators, as well as the city, are looking to prevent a similar tragedy this season.

“The water levels are extremely high for this time of year. Normally it would be significantly lower,” said Dan Kirvan, special operations chief for Ottawa fire.

New updated water safety signage warning of strong currents and dangerous conditions have gone up just west of Britannia Beach for people entering the water.

Bay Coun. Theresa Kavanagh says there are plans to put up warnings about the rapids as well.

“We’ve got to let people know that the rapids are just up ahead and that they’re very dangerous,” she said in an interview with CTV News Ottawa.

Kavanagh says the nearby Britannia Yacht Club could be posting their own signage in the future.

“Meeting with them along with fire, paramedics, and police, as well as a city representative for the beaches. We’re working together, so that is very helpful.”

A flag raising ceremony at Ottawa City Hall marked the start of Drowning Prevention Week, put on by the Lifesaving Society of Ontario.

Sean Duffy of the Lifesaving Society says those thinking about paddleboarding should do it in calmer waters.

“We know that moving water like the rapids are a more dangerous place for swimmers and paddleboarders. It’s very important that people know their environment when they’re going out to do an activity,” he said.

“Moving water where there are currents and rapids are can be dangerous for paddlers.”

He says to always wear a good-fitting lifejacket and check the weather ahead of going out on the water.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App