'Stay off the Bow River,' Fire Department says in safety advisory for Calgarians

Calgary Herald

22-06-2025

The weekend's rainfall has left Calgary's Bow River unsafe for boating or swimming, the Calgary Fire Department said Sunday.
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People should avoid any activity on the river, including boating, the department said while issuing a safety advisory for the river.
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Flooding over riverbanks is not expected; however, high flow rates may continue, making conditions on and near the river dangerous. There was still a 30 per cent chance of rain for Sunday afternoon and evening, while Saturday saw 48 mm of rain fall in the city.
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'For the safety of river users and emergency responders, the Calgary Fire Department advises everyone to stay off the Bow River until safer conditions return and the boating advisory is lifted,' said Calgary Fire Deputy Chief Pete Steenaerts.
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'We know that Calgarians love their rivers, yet we also know that when our waterways flow this high and fast, there's significant risk to anyone, regardless of your watercraft or skill level.'
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Advisories to stay off the Bow River can occur due to debris, turbidity and flow rates greater than 280 cubic metres per second above the Elbow River confluence.
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The department also noted that walkers, runners, cyclists and others using the pathways should be careful on low-lying areas, where the river can wash over paved trails. Children and pets should be kept away from the river, and everyone should be careful on riverbanks, which can be unstable due to erosion.