Fire Department Water Rescue Team: Please, heed this message

That being said, Pyne notes there are various spots throughout the river where it can go from inches deep to over ten to fifteen feet deep.

Varying depths in the Oldman river

“People need to recognize that they could be walking one second and the next second they could be in water where they can’t touch the bottom and there are lots of entanglements that could be in that deep water as well, such as tree branches, there’s barbed wire, weeds — lots of stuff to get hooked-up on.”

The message for people who frequently float down the river is safety preparation.

“For people frequenting the river,” says Pyne, “Be safe, be smart — we want to see people refrain from alcohol – we know it’s hot and people want to have fun but, be safe on the water and go out and have a drink after you’re done floating.”

“Have a float plan in place – let people know where you’re going to put in, where you’re going to be getting out, how long you plan on being in the water and who’s going to be with you. Make sure you have proper P-F-D’s (personal floatation device), as well as making sure the floatation device you’re using will support your weight and any gear you might have with you as well.”

While those on the river may think they don’t need a PFD, Pyne insists that is not the case.

“We want to see people wear them at all times, you never know, one second the water is inches deep and the next second it’s over your head – so, as frustrating and cumbersome as a PFD may seem at times, it’s there to protect you and keep you safe — so keep it on, float, have fun and enjoy the water but, the last thing we want to see is a water rescue emergency. You don’t want to see us coming out.”

As for particular incidents that he’s been called to, Pyne admits there is one that stands out the most for him.

“It’s the young man that drowned last year — last July — they were young kids playing in the water, no PFD’s and one young man was a weak swimmer and unfortunately, he drowned.”

Pyne says that’s exactly why they are sending these messages out there.

“We want people to be safe and wear their life-jackets so we don’t have to go out and look for somebody.”

He continued by noting, “They were in shallow water that was only waist deep and he took a wrong step and it was over his head and, as I said, he was a weak swimmer, and then you’re panicking and you’re in trouble.”

In terms of what people take with them, Pyne says, not everyone wants to wear shoes in the water but it’s good to have a good pair of water shoes so that if you have to exit the river, you’re not trekking through areas where there are a lot of rocks and tree branches and weeds.

Also, do take a cell phone. Put it in a zip-lock bag so it doesn’t get wrecked and you will have contact if something does happens. There have been times in the past where there have been medical emergencies that arise out on the water, so it’s good to have a cell phone so you can communicate if it’s needed.

There have been no water incidents this year and Pyne hopes people are listening to the message. However, with the hotter temperatures, there will be more people floating and possibly taking terrible risks. Don’t take the risk!

by Dori Modney and Photojournalist Brandyn Montgomery

Fire Department Water Rescue Team: Please, heed this message

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