Saskatoon Fire Department urges caution around bodies of water

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) urges residents to prioritize safety and exercise caution around the river, storm ponds and other bodies of water. As the weather continues to sporadically warm and cool, ice conditions are constantly changing. Water may appear frozen, but it does not mean it is safe.  

Natural conditions of the river such as currents and unseen hazards make the ice on the river unstable and unpredictable. It is never safe to walk on the river’s ice. Keep a safe distance away from the river’s edge and be mindful to avoid slips and falls.  

SFD monitors ice thickness at storm water retention ponds around the city to verify their safety and integrity for recreational use. The ice must reach a minimum thickness of at least eight inches to be considered safe for public recreational activities. Currently, none of Saskatoon’s storm ponds have reached this measurement. Residents are asked to remain off storm pond ice surfaces until signage indicates the pond is safe to use.  

Residents are also reminded to keep a close watch on children and pets when visiting trails, parks, or off-leash areas that may run adjacent to any body of water. 

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. Tell them to stay calm, keep their head above water, and move with the current to work their way to the shore edge. 
• Do not try to rescue the person. Attempting a rescue without the proper equipment can quickly lead to a second person in need of rescue.   

For more information about river and water safety, visit saskatoon.ca/watersafety. 

For more information about storm ponds, visit saskatoon.ca/ponds.