The Calgary Fire Department needed to rescue a number of rafters on the Bow River over the weekend because of a hidden danger lurking under the surface of the water near the Crowchild Trail bridge.
Fire crews were called to respond to multiple incidents where rafters became stranded on one of the islands in the middle of the river and needed help to get to shore.
The boaters reported snagging their inflatable rafts on debris in the water on the north side of the river.
Officials have marked the area, believed to be filled with a lot of rebar, just upstream from the crossing.
Normally the construction debris doesn’t pose any risk to boaters, but they say low water levels have changed in recent days, turning some areas that used to be prime rafting territories very dangerous.
The CFD is advising rafters to avoid the area and use the south side of the river instead.
Fire officials are also taking the opportunity to remind rafters to wear proper life jackets and be on their guard as the current is still very strong.
