Todd Nivens from the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society guides a raft down the Red Deer River this summer, along with some fellow nature lovers. (Supplied)

By Sheldon Spackman

River Safety

Planning and abundance of caution urged prior to long weekend river excursions

Jul 30, 2020 | 5:17 PM

Central Albertans planning to take a float down the Red Deer River this August Long Weekend are encouraged to be well prepared.

Todd Nivens, Executive Director at Waskasoo Environmental Education Society, warns that the river is flowing much higher than it normally does at this time of year, even though water levels and water flow rates are dropping.

“That presents all kinds of challenges for people,” says Nivens. “The volume of water in the river and the fact that it’s moving – creates a tremendous amount of weight. So if you are in the river without any kind of flotation, like say you fall off a floaty device and you don’t have a life jacket on, it is going to be extremely difficult, even in places where you can touch the bottom, it’s going to be extremely difficult to walk across to the river bank.”

Nivens says anyone considering going on the Red Deer River this weekend should strongly consider having an appropriate flotation device attached to them, such as a PFD (Personal Flotation Device), or self-inflating PFD.

He notes that swimming in the murky river right now is also going to be extremely difficult, so having a viable watercraft is of utmost importance.

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“A lot of erosion is happening upstream, so there’s a lot of silt in the river right now, and so you can’t see below a couple of inches below the surface,” adds Nivens. “A department store quality floaty device like an air mattress or one of those big floating platforms, they get torn up really easy by submerged sticks, submerged logs, unseen rocks. You want to make sure that you have something that will bring you to the surface.”

Should you find yourself in the river itself and unable to get back onto your water craft, Nivens recommends lying on your back and pointing your feet downstream while kicking your way across the river at a 45 degree angle to the most flat landing point you can find on shore.

Aside from a reliable watercraft, Nivens notes it’s also important to bring along other supplies.

“A hat, sunscreen, whistle, baling device, throw bag if you’ve got one, a way to rescue somebody else if they’ve fallen in the water, like a reaching device, something like that,” says Nivens. “Keep in mind, if you run into trouble on the river and you phone emergency services, depending on where you are, it could take a little bit for somebody to get to you, so you should have the ability to look after yourself for a little bit.”

Staying hydrated with a cold drink – non-alcoholic – is also a good idea.

“When you’re in a position where you’re in the hot sun and you’re dehydrated and in a situation that has the potential for some pretty significant negative consequences, alcohol is best left for after you’re finished floating,” smiles Nivens. “This is one of those occasions where water and sports drinks are your best friends out there.”

Finally, Nivens stresses the need for a plan before floating your cares away.

“Anytime you’re going to be in kind of a remote location, give somebody who is not a part of your trip an itinerary,” suggests Nivens. “So we’re going to this place, at this time, we’re going to be on the river we expect for this amount of time, we will be pulling out at this location, and if we exceed that by ‘X’ number of minutes, then give us a call to make sure we’re OK.”

“So if you can get out, and if you can keep yourself safe, I maintain it is the best way to see this part of central Alberta,” concludes Nivens. “Whether you’re floating through the city or whether you’re putting in at the Highway 54 bridge by Innisfail or below the Glennifer Dam or whether you’re floating from the city out to Burbank, it is the best way to see this part of central Alberta. And if you’re having a really good day, you’re going to see some amazing wildlife too!”