With temperatures rising many Airdronians may be seeking the cool flush of the river to cool off.

 Due to safety concerns and a boating advisory, the Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police Service and Calgary Community Standards are asking that all boating and other watercraft activities on the Bow River be postponed.

“The current flow rate on the Bow River is 293 m3/s — which is higher than we’ve seen in the last two years,” said Carol Henke, Public Information Officer, Calgary Fire Department in a press release. “Runoff from melting snow in the mountains is causing very cold water temperatures, increased floating debris and high turbidity in the Bow River, which makes for very poor visibility and dangerous conditions.”

Casually floating down the river can be a great activity during the summer months when the river is flowing at low to moderate levels, but no matter how fast the river flows safety must always remain a top priority.

Henke said that when the advisory is lifted all watercraft users should wear life jackets to avoid a mandatory court appearance and fines. In addition to wearing life jackets, river users should avoid consuming alcohol while on the water.

 

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