News Releases

With the arrival of summer weather, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is advising the public to exercise increased caution in and around the South Saskatchewan River. Recreation on the river can be fun and relaxing, but safety should be top of mind when residents approach the water.

Know before you go

Evaluate weather, equipment and water conditions from the shore before approaching the river:

• Be informed of changing water currents. Check with the Water Security Agency for river advisories.
• Plan your route and scout potential hazards or obstacles, including shallow areas and sandbars.
• Check weather conditions.
• Inspect your watercraft for safety preparedness.

Be respectful when operating watercrafts

Operating watercraft on the South Saskatchewan River is permitted where posted and requires proof of competency. When launching a pleasure craft or boating on the river, operators should be familiar with boating regulations and follow the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide. Watercraft operators are required to have a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) on board for each person on a watercraft; this includes both human- and motor-powered crafts.

River users should maintain proper river etiquette, and be considerate of others on the waterway:

• Operate your craft at a safe speed.
• Maintain a respectful distance from other river users.
• Do not operate a craft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Ensure your craft is equipped with appropriate markers and lighting.
• Care for the environment by properly launching, fuelling, starting, and loading your craft.

Swimming is prohibited in the South Saskatchewan River

Bylaw No. 4433 prohibits swimming in the South Saskatchewan River within city limits. Wading or walking through the water is permitted unless otherwise posted. Protective footwear is recommended when walking along the river’s shore or sandbar to avoid cuts and abrasions from sharp rocks or other hazards.

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 is capable of trapping objects and people. The weir must never be approached and should only be viewed from a safe distance.

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.

In the event that 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 larger bodies of water. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

For additional information, visit saskatoon.ca/watersafety.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only. 
 
NEW 
 
NELSON RD ROAD CLOSED FROM HEATH AVE TO HEAL AVE 
(Crane setup) 
Start: July 8, 6:00 a.m. End: July 8, 2:00 p.m. 
 
33RD ST E EB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT WARMAN RD 
(Construction) 
Start: July 8, 9:00 a.m. End: July 9, 5:00 p.m. 
 
WARMAN RD NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM LAURISTON ST TO 34TH ST E 
(Intersection improvements) 
Start: July 8, 9:00 a.m. End: July 9, 5:00 p.m. 
 
ONGOING 
 
MCKERCHER DR NB LANES CLOSED FROM TAIT CRES TO PARKDALE RD 
(Hydrant replacement) 
Start: July 7, 8:00 a.m. End: July 8, 4:30 p.m. 
 
IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR E 
(Roadway resurfacing) 
Closures will be set each night and removed the following morning. 
Start: July 6, 6:30 p.m. End: July 9, 7:00 a.m. 
 
2ND AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 20TH ST E TO 23RD ST E  
(Downtown Sidewalk Sale)  
Intersection at 2nd Avenue and 22nd Street will remain open  
Start: July 7, 5:30 a.m. End: July 9, 7:00 p.m. 
 
21ST ST E FULL CLOSURE FROM 1ST AVE S TO 2ND AVE S 
(Downtown Sidewalk Sale) 
Start: July 7, 5:30 a.m. End: July 9, 7:00 p.m. 
 
CIRCLE DR E EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM QUEBEC AVE TO VENTURE CRES 
(Concrete replacement) 
Start: July 5, 7:00 a.m. End: July 10, 5:00 p.m. 
 
CLARENCE AVE S INTERSECTION CLOSED AT BUTE ST 
(Construction) 
Start: June 23, 7:00 a.m. End: July 11, 5:00 p.m. 
 
1ST AVE N NB PARKING LANE & SIDEWALK CLOSED FROM 23RD ST E TO 24TH ST E 
(Cable work) 
Start: July 4, 8:00 a.m. End: July 13, 4:30 p.m. 
 
WARMAN RD SB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 33RD ST E 
(Intersection improvements) 
Start: June 23, 7:00 a.m. End: July 14, 5:00 p.m. 
 
33RD ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT WARMAN RD 
(Intersection improvements) 
Start: June 23, 7:00 a.m. End: July 14, 5:00 p.m. 
 
ATTRIDGE DR EB & WB MEDAIN LANES CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR E  
(Overpass rehabilitation)  
Start: July 5, 8:00 p.m. End: July 16, 7:30 p.m. 
 
DUNDONALD AVE SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 11TH ST W TO CAEN ST 
(Drainage improvements) 
Start: June 28, 7:00 a.m. End: July 25, 4:30 p.m. 
 
3RD AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM 25TH ST TO QUEEN ST    
(Water main repair)    
Start: June 14, 7:00 a.m. End: July 29, 5:00 p.m. 
 
MCORMOND DR ROAD CLOSED AT BRIGHTON BLVD    
(New road construction)    
Start: June 29, 7:00 a.m. End: August 8, 5:00 p.m. 
 
RUTH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED AT CAIRNS AVE 
(Water main replacement) 
Start: June 29, 7:00 a.m. End: August 22, 5:00 p.m. 
 
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.