Saskatoon firefighters responded to two separate incidents on the South Saskatchewan River over the weekend as officials continue warning residents to stay out of the fast-moving water.
The first call came Saturday afternoon after an unmanned pontoon boat was spotted drifting downstream. Members of the Saskatoon Fire Department’s water rescue team were able to retrieve the vessel and safely return it to its owner.
Just hours later, around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, crews were called back to the river to rescue a person stranded on an island after becoming trapped by the strong current.
The incidents come as high water levels and swift currents continue to create dangerous conditions on the South Saskatchewan River.
City officials are once again urging the public to avoid all recreational activity on the river until conditions improve.
According to the Saskatoon Fire Department, even experienced swimmers and boaters can quickly find themselves in danger because of powerful currents, submerged debris and rapidly changing water conditions.
Emergency officials say residents should obey all river safety advisories and avoid entering the water until the risk has passed.