Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services is issuing a PSA for water safety this summer. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Summer safety tips from Lethbridge’s water rescue team

Jun 8, 2023 | 2:17 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – An official with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) said he wants to ensure everyone recreating on the water this summer can enjoy it safely.

The Oldman River is a popular place to cool off on hot days, but it can present safety risks to those who swim or float on its waters. The same goes for other bodies of water in and around the city.

Some safety tips, as provided in a news release from LFES, include:

• LFES recommends Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs or life jackets) for all persons floating in the river
• Inspect PFDs to make sure they hold air. This should be done at home before going to the river bottom
• Have a float plan. This should consist of where you plan to enter the river, where you will be getting out, how long the journey will/should take and who is with you. Leave this information with family or friends so they are aware you are on the river. Talk about your group’s swimming abilities so you know who strong swimmers and weak swimmers in your group are
• Have footwear in case you need to exit the river prematurely
• No alcohol or drugs on the river. They impair your ability to swim and possibly fight the current, should you need to
• Have a cell phone in a waterproof bag to keep it dry in case you need to call 911
• Avoid the weir and recognize the warning devices. Portage around the weir by following the signs before the weir

Water Rescue Team Lead Brendon Pyne said it is important to not try to be a hero if you see someone drowning in a moving river.

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“A drowning victim can potentially turn into two drowning victims,” said Pyne. “If you have something you can throw to them, something that can float for them to hold on to, or a jacket that you can potentially get them and pull them in with it we suggest, but do not go into the river to try to save somebody, you’ll potentially become a victim yourself.”

He also asks the public to not jump off of the low-level girders on the high-level bridge into the water.

“We encourage people to stay off the train bridge,” adds Pyne. “There’s so many hazards under the water, in and out of the pilings there. We’ve pulled barbed wire out, rope, logs. When we’re doing training in and around that area, there’s so many hazards we encounter, and we’re professionals and we still have had issues.”

More water safety tips are available on the Alberta Parks website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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