Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

More water is on its way from Gardiner Dam: the speed and height of the river is rising which increases safety risks. The Water Security Agency advises river flows are expected to increase from the elevated current rate of approximately 240 cubic metres per second (m³/s) to approximately 700 m³/s starting on Sunday. 

It’s expected the river will rise by about 60 cm or approximately two feet. However, that is not high enough to cause flooding of riverbank areas such as the Meewasin Valley Trail. High flows are anticipated for the next week. 

“This represents a significant increase and with that, there’s an increase in the potential dangers on or around the river,” says Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Deputy Chief Sean Thody. 

Deputy Chief Thody urges anyone who may be around the river and along the riverbank to keep their distance, adding swimming in the river is prohibited in Saskatoon. 

“Although the river may provide a tempting option to cool down on hot days, the South Saskatchewan is unpredictable. Aside from the changing, dangerously fast currents and unstable bottom, it will have many additional hazards right now such as fallen branches, hidden material like broken concrete and floating debris that will pose a threat to anyone in or near the water.” 

Thody further warns SFD is not allowed to put rescue divers in the water above 450 m³/s because it poses a safety risk to the divers. 

The Fire Department is working with the Meewasin Valley Authority and will monitor the water flows and will advise everyone including recreational user groups of the greater flow rate. Saskatchewan Search and Rescue suggests the following guidelines for paddling activity: 

• <250 m³/s – Novice paddler; flatwater conditions 
• 250–400 m³/s– Intermediate paddler; those with moving water experience 
• 400–600 m³/s – Expert paddler; paddlers with moving water experience 
• 600–800 m³/s – Only expert paddlers with whitewater experience 
• >800 m³/s – Dangerous – Stay off the water 

Saskatoon Water 
Saskatoon Water is prepared for the greater flows. While expecting more sediment and cloudiness in the river, processes are in place to handle extra clarification that may be needed. Water service is not expected to be impacted by the rising river levels. 

Bridges 
The rising and faster flowing water is not expected to pose any threat to bridges nor cause any significant challenges for construction projects. The City’s Asset Preservation team continues to talk with contractors working on both the Broadway Bridge and the University Bridge to ensure their staff remain safe. 

Swimming is prohibited in the South Saskatchewan River
As mentioned, Bylaw No. 4433 prohibits swimming in the South Saskatchewan River within city limits. 

View weir from a safe distance 
The South Saskatchewan River is equipped with a weir to alter the flow and discharge of water along the river. This barrier produces a powerful backwash of water that can trap objects and people. The weir must never be approached and should only be viewed from designated areas along Spadina Crescent East. 

Pet safety 
Just as a fast river poses risks to humans, it is also risky to pets. Pet owners are reminded to keep a close watch on their pets – especially in off-leash areas where they could get into the river. The best advice is to avoid these areas for the coming days. 

Water rescue tips 
If you witness someone in distress in the river: 

• Call 911 immediately to report the incident, noting details about the individual, time and situation. 
• Keep track of recognizable landmarks around the area where the individual was first seen in distress in the water. 
• Coach the individual from the shore edge on the below noted tips for water self-rescue. 

If you are in distress in the river: 

• Stay calm. 
• Keep your head above the water. 
• Remove any heavy or bulky clothing items. 
• Don’t fight the current; move with the current as you work your way to the shore edge.

Always be cautious near the river. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.