Saskatoon’s Mayor says everyone wants to enjoy the South Saskatchewan River in the warm summer months but there are realities when dealing with the river.

He says last year it was a shock when at the Fred Heal Canoe launch, a body was being taken from the water. Mayor Charlie Clark says, “If someone goes out and is over their head and doesn’t know how to handle the currents which is what happened in this case. We really want everyone to be careful out there.”

Mayor Clark also says the river can be busy with paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, motorboats and it’s really important that everyone be careful around each other while enjoying the river, and to not be drinking.

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed July 21-27, as Drowning Prevention Week in Saskatchewan. Lifesaving Society Saskatchewan Branch CEO Shelby Rushton says, “Not wearing a lifejacket or PFD continues to be the number one factor in fatal drownings in this province.”

If you are headed to the provincial parks for some summer fun, many provincial parks and recreation sites have the Lifejacket Loaner Stations which allows visitors to borrow lifejackets at no cost. It is illegal to swim in the South Saskatchewan River in the City of Saskatoon.