Water Safety
The importance of water safety cannot be understated. To help everyone reduce risk while enjoying time on the water, please consider the following safety precautions.
When you're planing a day on the water, be sure to:
- Research water conditions, including flow rates. Information for flow rates in Alberta can be found at rivers.alberta.ca.
- Consider weather conditions.
- Tell someone where you are going and when to expect you to return.
- Utilize the proper personal flotation device (PFDs) for the activity you are participating in, for more information on PFDs click here.
Make sure you have the following before heading out:
- Proper fitted personal flotation devices for everyone on the watercraft.
- The correct type of watercraft suitable for the body of water and current conditions.
- Enough water, food, sunscreen to stay hydrated and comfortable.
- A cell phone for emergencies.
- A water safety kit.
What should be in a water safety kit:
As per Transport Canada, the minimum requirements are based upon the crafts length. For a motorized craft no greater than 6 metres in length, the following equipment is required:
- Appropriately sized, Canadian-approved PFD or life jacket, for each person on board;
- A buoyant heaving line (15 metres in length);
- Manual propelling device or anchor with at least 15 metres of rope, cable or chain;
- Bailer or hand pump;
- Sound-signalling device;
- Navigation lights if the craft is used between sunset and sunrise or during periods of reduced visibility (mist, rain);
- A class 5BC fire extinguisher for any craft equipped with an inboard motor, fixed fuel tank, and/or any fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigeration units;
- A waterproof flashlight or 3 Canadian-approved flares (type A, B or C) (not mandatory for a craft without a motor, i.e canoe, kayak, etc.);
- A vessel license if your craft is outfitted (even temporarily) with any motor of 10hp or more (not mandatory for a craft without a motor, i.e canoe, kayak, etc.).
