Firefighters help boater in distress on South Sask. River

The South Saskatchewan River is seen here in Saskatoon.

Increased river flows led to a scary situation for a boater on the South Saskatchewan River Monday evening.

A boater called 911 around 8:30 p.m. to report they were unable to start their outboard engine, and their boat was being carried downriver between the University Bridge and weir.

A Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Water Rescue boat was launched, and the boat operator ‘threw anchor’ to slow the boat.

The boater was able to restart the engine, and the SFD accompanied them to the boat launch.

There were no injuries to the boater or firefighters.

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In a news release, the SFD says South Saskatchewan River flows are currently in excess of 700 cubic meters per second. The river is expected to rise two feet above normal.

‘The SFD will not deploy rescue divers above 450 cubic meters per second,’ the SFD noted in the release.

Swimming in the river is not permitted within Saskatoon city limits, and boaters are encouraged to use precautions when boating, due to the high water levels.