PRINCE GEORGE

Friday, July 12, 2024

As summer weather continues for the foreseeable future, the RCMP is sending out a reminder to all river users to take precautions and use common sense before heading in and on the water…

The message comes after a tubing mishap on the Willow River last weekend prompted a river rescue, after eight people, including children, spent the night on a small island due to their floaty tubes becoming damaged on the trip down the river. No one was injured.

“Rivers are unpredictable and can contain faster currents or debris that you can’t see from a tube or raft. We also need to remember that our waters stay cold, even in this heat, and this can lead to trouble swimming if you’re exposed for a long period of time,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

At this time, the Nechako River at Wilson Park is fast flowing making it easy to get caught in the current and be taken downstream, particularly on the deepest side near the channels island, which is directly across from Wilson Park. Also take caution when entering the river upstream on the parks western trail as the channel water current begins in this location.

Below are some tips to help keep yourself safe on our rivers this summer:

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
• Avoid going anywhere alone.
• Make sure everyone in your party is wearing a personal floatation device.
• Avoid using cheap floating devices
• Speak to people who have used the rivers before and know them well.
• Carry required safety equipment.
• Make sure to have food and water with you in case you are stranded or are out for longer than you anticipate.