River Safety

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Aerial view of the frozen North Saskatchewan River in winter. The Edmonton skyline is present in the background.

The North Saskatchewan River is a hallmark of Edmonton’s landscape, used year-round for many activities. However, in the summer, it is never safe to swim in the river or venture onto the water without a life jacket due to unpredictable currents and hidden hazards.

Edmonton Riverboat moving down a river with two people in canoes beside it.

Peace Officers on the River

EPS Officers on Patrol

Warning

The North Saskatchewan River can be unpredictable, with fast underwater currents, strong undertows and unforeseen hazards such as underwater debris, floating trees and wood, and muddy shorelines. Swimming and diving without wearing a personal safety flotation device is strongly discouraged.

Water quality of the North Saskatchewan River and other untreated natural waters often fluctuate, and at times may not meet Health Canada guidelines for activities such as swimming and wading. Water quality can quickly change due to rainstorms and events upstream.

If this is an emergency, call 911 and ping your location.

Before You Leave Home

Share your trip plans with someone
Review a map of the local boat launches for Edmonton and Area: Paddling Maps
Check the weather report and safety advisories, and know how they might impact your activity
Check the river depth and flow rate. High and fast water can be dangerous! EPS and Park Ranger rescue boats will not go on the river when water levels are dangerous and can only perform rescues from the river’s edge.
Please check water quality advisories and notices from Alberta Health Services and Alberta Environment and Parks or visit North Saskatchewan regional planning for more information
Pack safety equipment, first aid kit and personal items in a sealed waterproof bag
Review safety tips and requirements: Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide, Edmonton Police Service River Safety Video

Prior to Entering the Water

Know your limitations and do not go further than you are comfortable
Check launch notifications to make sure your planned exit is open
Put on your personal flotation device. It does not work if you’re not wearing it!
Ensure compliance with Transport Canada guidelines, provincial regulations and municipal bylaws
Do not drink alcohol or take drugs
Give other boats and any waterfowl a wide berth when passing

Safety Requirements for Small Boats

If it floats, it’s a boat! Things like air mattresses, tubes, paddle boards, floating islands, inflatables, rafts and dinghies are all considered a Small Vessel. As noted in the Safe Boating Guide, all boats under six meters in length must carry:

An approved personal flotation device for each person
A buoyant heaving line or throw bag of at least 15 meters in length
A bailer or bilge pump
A whistle or sounding device
A waterproof flashlight for night or low-light situations
One manual propelling device (paddle or oars) or an anchor with not less than 15m of cable, rope or chain in any combination

Full water and boat regulations available from Transport Canada.

Boat Launches

Vehicle Launch Etiquette

Do not obstruct the use of the launch by others
Inflate your equipment away from the launch area
Load your equipment and supplies into the boat before getting to the launch
If picking up people on the river, don’t wait for your party in the launch area
Move vehicles away from boat launch promptly and park in designated areas

Boating Etiquette

Operate at a safe speed and avoid dangerous behaviours
Be courteous when passing other river users by keeping a safe distance and limiting wake
Give a wide berth for other boats or wildlife

Pets

If you enjoy exploring the River Valley with your dog or pet in the summer, please ensure you are aware of your surroundings and that your pet obeys voice commands. Keep your pet in sight at all times. If you take your pet on the river with you, please be sure that you supervise swimming pets. Never leave your dog unsupervised by any body of water and remember your pet should be outfitted with a lifejacket when swimming or boating.

Water Quality

Recreational activities in North Saskatchewan River and other untreated natural waters could present a human health risk through intentional or incidental immersion and ingestion of untreated natural waters including primary contact activities (for example: swimming, bathing, wading, windsurfing and waterskiing) and secondary contact activities (for example: canoeing and fishing). It is strongly advised to check Alberta Environment and Parks for water quality guidelines before recreating near and on the river.

Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species can pose significant negative impacts to human health or the economy. They can also cause harm to the environment such as displacing native species, reducing biodiversity and overall health of an area.

Learn how to keep Alberta's bodies of water safe: Aquatic Invasive Species

Compliance

The North Saskatchewan River is regularly patrolled by Park Rangers and the Edmonton Police Service. This is to ensure compliance on a range of matters such as safety checks, Small Vessel Regulations and the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act.

Contact Us

311 Contact Centre

Online	Contact 311 Online

If you are calling from outside of Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Phone	311
TTY	711