Firefighters assist Saskatoon boater in distress from high river flows

Firefighters in Saskatoon helped rescue a boater in distress on the South Saskatchewan River on Monday.

According to the fire department, 911 callers reported the boat in distress under the University Bridge, near the weir, shortly after 8:30 p.m. Callers said the boat was being carried downstream, with the operator unable to start the vessel’s outboard motor.

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The fire department said a water rescue boat was launched, and the boater was ultimately able to drop an anchor and get the engine going again, with the firefighters accompanying the vessel back to the boat launch. No injuries were reported.

The incident comes as the flow rate and water levels in the river are both significantly higher than normal due to a release of water out of the Gardiner Dam at Lake Diefenbaker.

The fire department has preached caution for river users as the flow rate in the South Saskatchewan rises above 700 cubic metres per second, noting that the fire department will not deploy rescue divers at flow rates higher than 450 cubic metres per second.

“This represents a significant increase and with that, there’s an increase in the potential dangers on or around the river,” said fire department deputy chief Sean Thody.

In a statement, Thody urged anyone spending time around the river and along the riverbank to “keep their distance” from the water, adding that swimming in the river is prohibited in Saskatoon under a city bylaw.

“Although the river may provide a tempting option to cool down on hot days, the South Saskatchewan is unpredictable,” Thody said. “Aside from the changing, dangerously fast currents and unstable bottom, it will have many additional hazards right now such as fallen branches, hidden material like broken concrete and floating debris that will pose a threat to anyone in or near the water.”

Guidelines for recreational river uses shared by the city suggest that only expert paddlers with whitewater experience should head out on the water during the period of increased flow (600-800 cubic metres per second). At 800 cubic metres per second, river speeds are considered dangerous.

Should someone witness a person in distress in the river, the fire department said to call 911 immediately and share any details about the person and the situation. Callers were advised to track recognizable landmarks where the person was first seen in distress, and to try to coach the person from shore to stay calm and keep their head above water.

Anyone who falls into the river was advised to remove any heavy or bulky clothing and to move with the current as they make their way towards the shore, rather than fighting against it.

The rising water levels also prompted the Meewasin Valley Authority to temporarily close several beach sites near the city, including Poplar Bluffs, the Fred Heal Canoe Launch and Paradise Beach.

–with files from 650 CKOM’s Libby Gray