Lifesaving Society warns Alberta rivers are cold year round, can result in cold water shock

With many of Alberta’s rivers glacially-fed, it’s important to not jump in with both feet, so to speak, since the water can be extremely cold, no matter what time of year.

Madison Lalonde with the Lifesaving Society Alberta/Northwest Territories says, in some cases, it can lead to something called cold water shock.

“It affects your ability to make decisions. Affects your ability to move. Your muscles tend to tense up, so you’re not necessarily able to self rescue as well as you normally would be able to,” Lalonde explains.

“So, even if you’re a very, very strong swimmer enjoying these unsupervised environments, it’s important to do so safely.”