Emergency officials are reminding Calgarians to be careful while out on the city’s waterways this long weekend.

The Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police Service and Animal & Bylaw Services are asking people to act responsibly and be aware of their surroundings while out on rivers and lakes.

“We want to remind anyone planning to go on the water that river conditions change daily,” said Deputy Chief Ken Uzeloc, Calgary Fire Department. “Rafters, boaters and paddlers need to be aware of water levels, temperature, current, turbidity, and river hazards including bridge abutments, trees and other large debris in the water that can catch, trap or overturn vessels.”

In 2012, fire crews responded to 78 incidents and bylaw officers issued 93 tickets related to alcohol consumption, public behavior and water safety violations.

“The good news is that more people are bringing and wearing their floatation devices,” said Susan Wall, Operations Co-ordinator with Animal & Bylaw Services. “But too many lifejackets are still sitting on the bottom of the boat where they can’t help you in an emergency. And when you add alcohol into the mix, a pleasant day of rafting can quickly turn to tragedy.”

Officials say that only eight tickets were issued for not wearing a lifejacket last year, which is down from 86 in 2011.  

Boaters are reminded that the rapids at Harvie Passage are for advanced and expert level white water paddlers only and recreational users should exit the river and portage. 

The city has posted river safety signage at various points along the river shore, at put-in and take-out locations and on bridges and abutments.

Boaters can be fined for various infractions on the city’s waterways:

  • Failing to wear a PFD/Life jacket; Mandatory court appearance
  • Consuming liquor in public, penalty $ 115
  • Littering on/into/under water or ice, penalty $115
  • Littering in a Park penalty $500
  • Littering from a vehicle penalty $750
  • Littering burning waste penalty $1000
  • Urinating or defecating in Public penalty $300

For more water and river safety information, visit the City of Calgary website.