Lethbridge Water Rescue team lead suggests a ‘float plan’ when on the river

While many of us know to leave details with family or friends when planning to hike or ATV in the backcountry, you might not think of doing the same if you’re going to float down a river. 

“Let them know when you’re going to be going in the river. Let them know where you’re going into the river, and when you expect to be coming off the river and where that’s going to be,” says Charles Schoening, the Water Rescue team lead with Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services, on a what he calls a float plan.

“As well as where your vehicle is going to be. That way if you’re overdue, someone knows to contact 9-1-1 and we can initiate a search and where you’ll be, based on where your vehicle is parked, or we can go and check have an idea where to look. If it’s gone, we know you are safe and you just have made contact with someone.”

Just as important, Schoening says, is making sure who have a proper personal floatation device, like a life jacket, and good shoes, since you may have to leave the river in a spot where there’s sharp rocks or vegetatation, like cactii.