Calgary officials have partnered to make waves in spreading the word about what water users should keep in mind while swimming and floating this summer. 

The City of Calgary’s Partners in Aquatic Safety — made up of peace officers and members of the fire department and police service — held a media availability on the morning of June 17 to remind residents of the importance of staying safe while using city water bodies. 

Alex Kwan, public information officer with the Calgary Fire Department (CFD), said that with the city’s growing population, they are predicting an especially busy water usage season this summer, should the weather stabilize at warmer temperatures. 

“We’re seeing more and more Calgarians who are enjoying our waterways more than they have in historical levels,” he said. 

“We want to remind everyone that where there’s water, there’s risk.”

Since 2016, Kwan said that the fire department has attended more than 30 drowning fatalities, and that 2024 had the second-highest number of water rescues recorded. He said that there were three fatal drownings last year, and that one has already been reported for 2026.

Across the city, Kwan said that the communities of Montgomery and Inglewood see the most aquatic rescues, the latter due to its proximity to the Harvie Passage recreational area situated on the Bow River. 

Additionally, he said that the Glenmore Reservoir and smaller community lakes and storm ponds account for a portion of water-rescue incidents. 

No matter the location, Calgary Police Service Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward said that it’s important to be prepared, especially ahead of July, when the weather usually improves. 

“After a long winter, it’s tempting to jump into the water once summer starts to roll around,” he said. 

“But we have to remember how quickly a day on the water can turn from fun to tragic.”

Know when to go: Proper conditions, equipment as step one

Kevin Knight, community safety officer with the CFD, said that even before residents take to the water, safety begins with ensuring that the weather and their personal supplies can adequately handle the adventure. 

Before leaving the house, Knight urged Calgarians to check the city’s website, which will display any existing boating advisory updates caused by high river flow that could make for a dangerous float. 

If the conditions seem safe, he said the second step is to select the appropriate equipment. Knight said that watercraft must accommodate the weight of all group members and that additional gear, such as oars, is an asset for moving around obstacles.

However, inflatable boats are not the only devices used by residents on city channels.

“Stand-up paddle boards are becoming increasingly used amongst Calgarians on our waterways,” he said. 

“Do not use ankle leashes on your paddleboards. If you’re worried about losing your paddleboard, you can put your phone number on it, and that way it can be returned to you.”

Lastly, Knight said that wearing life jackets is essential to being safe on the water, and that not doing so is not only risky but could lead to a ticket.

Disobeying water recommendations could have legal consequences, officers say

Staff Sgt. Woodward emphasized that not wearing a life jacket or consuming alcohol while using city waterways are among the top factors that have contributed to fatalities in the past. Possible death aside, he said that both are violations under separate laws. 

“Being impaired by drugs or alcohol while operating a boat is no different than being impaired by drugs or alcohol [while] driving a car,” said Woodward. 

“It’s dangerous. It’s illegal. Impaired boating is impaired driving, and it’s a serious, chargeable offence.”

Emergency management and community safety Insp. Susan Wall said that peace officers will be patrolling the riverbanks this summer and that people not wearing life jackets can expect to hear from them. 

“We want people to enjoy the rivers in our city — we have a beautiful area to enjoy during the summer months,” she said. 

“But there’s no ifs, ands, or buts: you will wear a life jacket — it’s the law.”

Wall explained that the repercussions of not wearing a life jacket include a fine of up to $500 and a mandatory court appearance. 

Kwan added that when purchasing a life jacket, residents should do so at local stores because these products have passed Transport Canada certification. He said that buying them online often leads people to wear flotation devices that are not designed to handle the climate.

Despite this, Wall said the bylaw does not require life jackets to bear this certification stamp and that simply wearing one while driving or as a passenger in an inflatable boat is sufficient. Wearing a life jacket while swimming is also excluded from the bylaw, she said. 

Team lead with the city’s recreation and social programs department, Kadyn Morris, said that, because of this, knowing how to swim is necessary when using or being near bodies of water.

“The reality is many incidents happen unexpectedly, and often to people who didn’t intend to enter the water, near the shore, on a dock, or even in shallow water,” she said. 

“Knowing how to swim, stay calm, and safely move through the water with and without a life jacket can make all the difference.”

Morris announced that, as part of an annual global initiative, the city will be hosting free swimming lessons at four indoor and three outdoor facilities on June 25. She said that the event intends to make it accessible to people from all walks of life. 

“Swimming is a critical life-saving skill. It gives you the confidence, independence, and ability to stay safe in and around the water,” said Morris. 

“It’s never too late to learn, whether you’re a child, parent, or older adult. You can start at any time.”