Be safe is spending time around the Red Deer River this long weekend (rdnewsnow/Josh Hall)

By rdnewsNOW staff

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Red Deerians encouraged to stay safe this long weekend

May 16, 2020 | 8:09 AM

With the long weekend here, residents are reminded to stay safe.

Whether staying home, camping, City officials say that when enjoying the Red Deer River or other outdoor activities, please remember to take the proper precautions for your chosen activities to ensure you and your families remain safe.

Local recreation amenities available for use include parks and trails, boat launches (with the exception of Fort Normandeau), fishing areas, disc golf courses, community fields, neighbourhood courts, and the BMX park. A complete, current list is available at www.reddeer.ca/covid-19.

Red Deer Emergency Services advises users to take caution when enjoying the river and to use common sense to assess the safety and conditions of the river before entering.

Here are some tips for responsible river use:

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– Estimate your time of arrival and make sure someone knows your itinerary.

– Be prepared for unexpected conditions and pack your raft/boat with suitable warm clothing, water and other necessities in case of emergencies.

– Life jackets should be worn at all times.

– Carry oars or paddles to navigate and avoid obstacles.

– Use proper floating devices. Inflatable toys are designed for floating on lakes, not in flowing waters.

– Do not tie rafts, tubes or dinghies together. When rafts are tied together, rafters run the risk of getting caught up around bridge pillars and floating debris.

– Take your garbage with you, recycle beverage containers and dispose of discarded rafts responsibly.

– Alcohol consumption along the river is illegal and violators can be fined.

– It is illegal to park along highway embankments, including the QEII Highway.

A fire ban is not in place within the city of Red Deer, but all residents are reminded to use fire pits safely. Burning of construction and yard waste is prohibited. Within City parks, only designated fire pit use is permitted, as per the city’s bylaw. Fire bans in other parts of the province are listed at www.albertafirebans.ca.

With any activity, residents are reminded to continue to follow recommendations from Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. This includes planning your activities and taking precautions to ensure physical distancing is possible, and practicing good hygiene.

“We know Red Deerians are excited to see some of their favourite activities available for use, but these amenities can only remain open if we continue to do our part and adhere to the current restrictions and public health orders,” City officials say in a release.

(The City of Red Deer)