‘Very dangerous right now’: Firefighters urge caution around South Sask. River

Water levels four times higher than normal led to a rescue team being dispatched to help a boat in trouble on the South Sask. River. Carla Shynkaruk reports.

A close call on the South Saskatchewan River Monday night is prompting renewed warnings from Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) officials, who say dangerous water conditions continue to make the river unsafe for recreational use.

Emergency crews were called into action around 8:30 p.m. after reports of a boat without engine power in distress, drifting downstream towards the weir.

Witnesses who spotted the vessel roughly halfway between the University Bridge and weir called 911, triggering a swift response from Saskatoon Fire Department rescue teams.

According to fire officials, a Zodiac-style boat carrying two occupants was being pulled downstream by the strong current after experiencing engine trouble. Dispatchers instructed those onboard to deploy their anchor to delay drifting closer to the weir.

With river flow rates currently running at approximately four times their normal levels, officials say the situation had the potential to become extremely dangerous.

“Our flow rates right now are roughly four times faster than what we’re used to,” Saskatoon Fire Department Battalion Chief Dwayne Jobson said.

The boaters were able to restart the engine before rescue crews reached their vessel.

“They called 911. They were advised to throw their anchor in to either slow down or stop. By the time we got our rescue team on the water, they had already restarted the engine on their craft,” the battalion chief said.

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Despite regaining power, fire crews deployed a jet boat to escort the vessel safely to the boat launch area beneath the Broadway Bridge.

Once ashore the occupants were briefed on the hazards currently present on the river.

“We usually remind them it’s been advised to stay off the river. It’s not a good idea. Maybe they weren’t aware of the flow rates. We try and do a little bit of education with them,” Jobson said.

The warning comes after elevated water releases from Gardiner Dam by the Water Security Agency significantly increased river flows last week.

Fire officials say current conditions make recreational activities on the river especially risky, and are urging residents to stay away until flow rates return to safer levels.

“People should stay off the water and wait until the flow rates get back to normal. Right now, it’s too risky. It’s not worth it,” Jobson added.

The intensity of the weir currently leaves little chance of rescue, according to Jobson.

“The weir is very dangerous right now. Unfortunately, if someone ends up going over and into the weir, right now, there’s really nothing we can do.”

River flows peaked Saturday at approximately 722 cubic metres per second. While water levels have begun to decline, officials say the decrease will be gradual over the coming week.

Emergency crews continue to monitor conditions, and are reminding the public to exercise caution around the river as high water levels persist.