Drumheller Fire Chief Bruce Wade is warning residents of the potential dangers of the river during break up.
This came after a young person was injured and appeared to fall into the water while navigating a slippery bank of the river last Tuesday, March 22. The Drumheller Fire Department was called to assist EMS in the rescue.
“It’s scary this time of the year,” Wade tells the Mail.
With the river ice breaking up, the level of the water can fluctuate quickly and while the ice may look stable it is not worth taking a chance.
Just as treacherous are the banks of the river. Ice and mud build up and can make it difficult to navigate.
“Especially people with pets, and walking dogs. Make sure they are on a leash,” said Wade. “In the past, we have had dogs take off from their owners and are on the river, and then we have owners trying to retrieve their dog,” he said
He adds it is not just rivers.
“Any bodies of water at this time of year, sloughs, or dugouts can be dangerous,” he said.
He said so far, this was the only call this year, but there have been instances where people have been out walking on chunks of ice as the river was going out.
At the call last week, Wade said it took 13 firefighters to respond to the call. They had to drop a ladder down the bank to rescue the individual.
“It’s not just a simple effort,” he said.
