Alberta Parks Says Three Factors Are Driving Recent Bow River Rescues

Alberta Parks says three common factors are contributing to recent water rescues on the Bow River in Canmore, warning that people are putting themselves at risk by failing to wear life jackets, relying on inexpensive inflatable flotation devices and underestimating river conditions altered by recent flooding.

The warning follows a series of rescues on the Bow River earlier this month, including incidents on July 7 and 8 in which eight people required assistance within a 24-hour period and prompted Kananaskis Mountain Rescue to urge the public to use extra caution on local waterways.

"The top three trends contributing to recent water rescues by Kananaskis Mountain Rescue are people not wearing life jackets, using unreliable inflatable rafts or flotation devices, and underestimating changing river conditions following recent flooding and high stream advisories," the Department of Forestry & Parks said in a written statement.

The department said rescue crews have responded to incidents involving inexpensive inflatable rafts and flotation devices that puncture easily when they come into contact with debris in the water.

"Alberta Parks reminds visitors that Transport Canada certified life jackets should be worn whenever people are in or around any body of water."

On July 7, three kayakers were rescued by helicopter after they were swept into a logjam on the Bow River near the Engine Bridge. Kananaskis Mountain Rescue said the paddlers were pulled underwater after becoming trapped in strainers and sweepers before making their way onto an island, where they awaited rescue. A separate group of river users also required assistance nearby that same afternoon.

The following day, a woman was rescued after her kayak became lodged near a small island and overturned in the Bow River, leaving her struggling in neck-deep, fast-moving water. Visitors walking along the riverbank heard her calling for help and pulled her to shore before emergency crews arrived.

"Recent flooding has changed river conditions, creating high, fast-moving water and new hazards such as altered channels, submerged obstacles, log jams, fallen trees and unexpected gravel deposits," the Department of Forestry & Parks said. "Even people familiar with the area can be surprised by these changes."

The department said the water remains extremely cold and strong currents can make it difficult to reach shore. It urged visitors to avoid unsafe flotation equipment, wear a Transport Canada-certified life jacket, check river conditions before heading out and make safety their first priority when recreating on Alberta's waterways.