Calgary’s fire rescue team had to make a rescue on the roaring Bow River, a time when a river use advisory is in place.
Around 11:55 a.m., fire crews responded to a call at the Bow River downstream of Edworthy Park for the rescue of three people – one adult and two youths.
The first arriving crew found the three people in the water holding on to a cluster of trees, fire officials said.
Two rescue team jet boats were put in the water, and they were able to get the people back to shore. They also recovered the group’s paddleboards and personal belongings.
“While all three people were wearing lifejackets and were not injured, this was a close call incident, and the current conditions are not suitable for recreational activities,” read a statement from the Calgary Fire Department.
CFD also indicated the Bow River flow has increased to more than 500 cubic metres per second, which is nearly double the required 280 cubic metres per second to implement a river safety advisory.
“The very fast flow rate, along with debris in the water and other hidden hazards beneath the surface make it very challenging to paddle,” CFD said.
“This increases the risk of getting pushed into hazards such as trees and bridge pillars and being pinned by the rush of cold water.”
CFD is asking people to reschedule recreational activities on the Bow and Elbow Rivers until the advisory lifted.
