The Drumheller Fire Department is warning residents to be extra careful around the Red Deer River and creeks at this time of year.
This comes after an incident on Friday afternoon, April 17 when the Drumheller Fire Department was called out to a distress call.
Fire Chief Bruce Wade explains a resident was walking her dog near the river off-leash when the dog went down the bank to explore the river’s edge. The pedestrian went down the bank to retrieve her pet but was unable to get back up the bank. The Fire Department and EMS located both the dog and owner and they were brought to safety.
Chief Wade says at this time of year it is important to be especially careful around waterways. As the ice breaks up and water begins to flow, the level of the river can rise and fall dramatically, and the banks can be very unstable. It is important to keep track of animals near waters and if possible keep them on a leash. If they wander toward the river don’t try to retrieve them.
Chief Wade also says it is important to have a good idea of where you are so if there is an emergency you are able to give an accurate description of where you are. He said this particular call came in identifying the area to be near 9th Street and Riverside Drive, when in fact it was close to the Nacmine ball diamonds.
He adds that more than just this time of year, with the threat of COVID-19 putting a strain on the medical system, safety is paramount.
