City urges water safety as summer boating season heats up

Calgary officials are ramping up water-safety messaging ahead of what they expect will be a busy summer of river and lake use.

The City's Partners in Aquatic Safety—comprising peace officers, fire department members, and police—held a media briefing on Tuesday to remind residents of risks when swimming and floating.

Calgary Fire Department public information officer Alex Kwan said the city is predicting an especially busy water usage season, with growing populations and warming temperatures. Since 2016, the fire department has attended more than 30 drowning fatalities. In 2024, the department responded to the second-highest number of water rescues on record, with three fatal drownings that year. One fatal drowning has already been reported in 2026.

Montgomery and Inglewood see the most aquatic rescues citywide, the latter due to its proximity to the Harvie Passage recreational area on the Bow River. The Glenmore Reservoir and smaller community lakes and storm ponds also account for a portion of incidents.

Calgary Police Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward urged residents to be prepared before entering the water. "After a long winter, it's tempting to jump into the water once summer starts to roll around," he said. "But we have to remember how quickly a day on the water can turn from fun to tragic."

Fire Department community safety officer Kevin Knight said residents should first check the city's website for boating advisory updates caused by high river flow. If conditions are safe, watercraft must accommodate the weight of all group members. Life jackets are essential and legally required—not wearing one can result in a ticket. Knight also warned against ankle leashes on paddleboards, recommending instead to write your phone number on the board for recovery. Not wearing a life jacket and consuming alcohol while operating a boat are among the top factors contributing to fatalities.