Three paddleboarders rescued from swollen Bow River

Fire crews rescued three paddleboarders from the Bow River on Tuesday morning after the group got into trouble in dangerously fast-moving water.

Rescue crews arrived shortly before noon downstream of Edworthy Park and found one adult and two youths holding onto a cluster of trees in the water. Two aquatic rescue jet boats deployed, and all three were safely brought to shore. Crews also recovered their paddleboards and belongings.

All three were wearing life jackets and were not injured, but the Calgary Fire Department called the incident "a close call." The Bow River's flow rate is more than 500 cubic metres per second—nearly double the 280 cubic-metre threshold that triggers a river safety advisory.

"The very fast flow rate, along with debris in the water and other hidden hazards beneath the surface make it very challenging to paddle," the fire department said. "This increases the risk of getting pushed into hazards such as trees and bridge pillars, and being pinned by the rush of cold water."

The department issued a boating advisory Monday, advising against any water activities on the Bow and Elbow Rivers. High flow rates are expected to persist through the week. "When our waterways flow this high and fast, there's significant risk, regardless of your watercraft or skill level," the fire department said.