Nothing beats the heat like taking a ride down the Oldman River on a raft, but there are crucial steps you should take to protect yourself.
Raft enthusiasts said they see floaters making critical mistakes every summer, especially when it comes to planning ahead, or letting people know where they are, or will be.
“The river conditions can and do change very quickly on this river,” Todd Hudson, owner of Oldman River Tubing and Rafts, said. “With winds it can be beautiful weather but the winds can be going in the wrong direction so you might not actually be able to make it down to wherever you are headed on the river.”
The City of Lethbridge said if floaters plan to leave from Popson Park, that they must exit the river before the weir.
However, the most popular route is from either Indian Battle Park, or the Highway 3 bridge launch, and that it is crucial floaters get off the river at Pavan Park.
While the river may seem higher than last year, it is still a slow moving body of water. Making sure you are prepared for a long journey can save you from serious danger.
That danger was highlighted over the weekend as three rafters had to be rescued by helicopter after misjudging a float time in the Little Red Deer River in central Alberta.
READ MORE: Helicopter rescues Alberta rafters who misjudged river float time
“Go have fun, don’t be an idiot, and use your head,” firefighter Erik Larsen said. “I’m sure everyone wants to get home to their families and carry on and have a really great summer.”
“If you are going to go to the river, use your head and be safe.”
Hudson and Larsen said there are some simple steps to float safely this summer:
Have a float plan: where are you getting on the river, and where are you getting off- Tell a friend or family member your float plan
- Never float alone
- Bring water, sunscreen, a cellphone and a life jacket
- Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while on the river