The Deputy Chief of the Saskatoon Fire Department understands the urge to cool off in the river on these hot days, but he also advises to plan ahead and be prepared in case of an emergency. Rob Hogan says on the weekend, Fire Department crews helped three people to safety in two separate incidents after they found themselves stranded in the river near Poplar Bluffs, south of the city.
He explains that response times are not as quick as they would be in the city and right now, the river is low, so it’s very difficult to go from Saskatoon to Poplar Bluffs and further south, because they have to find other places to launch or do a shore-based rescue. The Fire Department’s priority is to attend to calls for emergency services within city limits, so the Mutual Aid Service provided in the RM of Corman Park can be impacted if crews are already busy. Hogan says, “We want all residents to be mindful of this when making the decision to venture near, in, or on the water, and have a back-up plan if our crews can’t get to you immediately.”
Also, for those wanting to take a river dip inside the city limits, the Deputy Chief reminds everyone that there is a bylaw against it.
River Safety tips from the Saskatoon Fire Department:
Evaluate the weather and water conditions from the shore before you venture out and inform others of your plans and route. You should keep your cell phone as charged as possible, refrain from alcohol which affects judgement, have a personal floatation device, and take a whistle and flashlight to call out and notify of your location.
If you are in distress in the river:
Stay calm.
Keep your head above the water.
Remove any heavy or bulky clothing items.
Don’t fight the current; move with the current as you work your way to the riverbank.
If you witness someone in distress in the river:
Call 911 immediately to report the incident, noting details about the individual, time, and situation.
Keep track of recognizable landmarks around the area where the individual was first seen in distress in the water.
Coach the individual from the riverbank or shore edge with the above noted tips for water self-rescue.
