Edmonton Fines River Dangers, Ups Safety Patrols

0:00It's April 29th. From your city to your ears, this is Canada News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Edmonton's turning up the heat on River Safety this season. Peace officers can now slap $250 fines on anyone not wearing a life jacket in a recreational vessel on the North Saskatchewan River. The rule went mandatory last May under the city's public spaces bylaw, shifting from just warnings to real enforcement. Last year, warnings jumped 15% to 3,460, with more than 40% tied to missing personal flotation. Devices, other common slip-ups included open liquor on boats, no sound devices, unlicensed vessels, or lacking a manual propeller. More people flocking to the river meant trouble too. Search and rescue calls by the Marine Unit Rose, 24% to 21 incidents. Park rangers patrolled 74 kilometers from Capillano and Laurier Parks, mostly catching kayakers, canoeers, and paddleboarders, pushing.

1:01Education before tickets. This year, fines target repeat offenders as trends show higher risks from weather shifts and booze. Edmonton's mirroring Calgary's decades-old policy, though river boats and race participants get exemptions. Fire rescue calls also climbed to 57. Safety groups like the Life Saving Society cheer the move, warning river snag even strong swimmers with currents and hazards. With patrols ramping up, gear up properly to float safe and skip the fine.