Four people rescued from South Saskatchewan River

Water rescue units were deployed to rescue four women in the South Saskatchewan River near the Gordie Howe Bridge.

On Sunday evening the Saskatoon Fire Department received a call regarding multiple people in distress in the water.

The Saskatoon Fire Department water rescue unit responds to calls of people in distress in the South Saskatchewan River Sunday, July 5.
Saskatoon Fire Department/Submitted)

One woman was struggling in the water and required a firefighter specializing in surface water rescue to help her.

There was an issue with one of the inflatable rafts, forcing the firefighter to make a second surface rescue.

None of the four people were wearing lifejackets when when emergency aid arrived.

Everyone was transported by boat to the docks of the Saskatoon Canoe Club where paramedics were on location to evaluate them.

All four of the women were dealing with fatigue and panic but were otherwise uninjured.

The Saskatoon Fire Department said that the incident occurred because of the high water levels, increased flow rate in the river, and a lack of preparation to be on the water.

This was the second water rescue over the weekend in Saskatoon, after there was a person in distress on Saturday.

The river is currently flowing at a rate that is four to six times its average speed.

It’s expected to reach it’s peak flow today.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is urging people to stay off of the South Saskatchewan River at this time; rapidly increasing flow rates and rising water levels have made the water generally unsafe.

Updates on the South Saskatchewan River can be accessed through the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency website.