River Safety
Where there's water, there's risk. The importance of safety on our waterways is critical.
Planning a day on the water
It's important to check river and weather conditions before planning a day on the water.
River Conditions Weather Conditions
- Know where you are going and what obstacles or water features are on your route. This includes bridges, underwater hazards, shallow spots, trees, rocks, and wind.
- Give yourself plenty of time to navigate around bridge piers. Tying rafts together will make it hard to steer and could result in rafts getting caught or stuck.
- Be ready to exit the water before you reach your destination.
- Remember to tell someone responsible where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Call 911 in an emergency.
Understanding river flow rates
While the river can be hazardous at any flow rate, recreational floaters prefer a flow rate between 100 m³/s and 400 m³/s. Download the Alberta River Basins app for easy access to flow rates on the South Saskatchewan River or check their website. As the river flows increase the water levels rise, and the water moves faster.
River flows are evaluated by year-round, especially from May to August during flood season.