RIVER
SAFETY
The Weir
Photo provided by Global Saskatoon
• A weir is a barrier constructed across a river to alter
the flow. They prevent flooding, measure discharge,
and help render rivers navigable.
• Weirs create a powerful backwash of water that can
trap objects and people.
• Saskatoon’s weir is located at 33rd Street and Spadina
Crescent.
TIP: Never approach the weir.
Always view the weir from a distance.
The Saskatoon Fire Department and
Saskatoon Police Service operate a Joint River
Patrol within the city. We are committed to
promoting safety on the South Saskatchewan
River through enforcement of respective laws,
acts, bylaws and regulations.
If you are in an
emergency situation,
or are witnessing an
emergency situation on or
near the river,
CALL 9-1-1.
www.saskatoon.ca
www.saskatoon.ca
The South Saskatchewan River flows through the heart
of Saskatoon, providing leisure and spectacular scenery.
However, it can be dangerous. Bylaw No. 4433 prohibits
swimming in the river as there are many hazards.
River Obstacles
• Obstacles like strainers, bridge piers and rocks are
river hazards.
• Strainers: strainers are obstacles such as trees, fallen
branches, or broken concrete that allow water to pass
through, but can snag or trap boats or people.
• Bridge piers and rocks: If the water is moving fast
enough, anyone could become pinned to a pier or
caught in rocks.
TIP: When launching a pleasure craft or boating on the
river, ensure you are familiar with boating regulations
and follow the Transport Canada Safe Boating
Guide at www.tc.gc.ca.
Shore Edge Instability
• Changing currents and river levels can cause the shore
edge to become unstable.
• Moving water also makes the riverbed unstable. What
was once shallow water can become much deeper in
a very short period of time.
Tip: Use caution when walking along the river’s shore
or sandbars, wear protective footwear to avoid
cuts and abrasions from sharp rocks or other hazards, like
broken glass.”
Sandbar
• A sandbar is an elevated region of sand or gravel that forms
in the slowest moving and shallowest part of a river.
• As the river speed changes, so does the size and shape
of the sandbar. Sandbars can become unstable.
• It is common for the down-stream side of a sandbar to
drop off gradually into the river however the up-stream
side of the sandbar can have an abrupt drop into deep
water.
TIP: Use caution when near
or on a sandbar.
Changing Flow Rates
• The speed of the South Saskatchewan River through
Saskatoon has been known to change from 50 to
2,300 cubic meters per second within a very short
period of time, completely drowning the weir.
• The Saskatoon Fire Department Dive Rescue Team can
perform surface rescues in high current, but diving
underwater is dangerous. For the safety of the Team,
water rescues must be suspended when the flow is
more than 450 cubic meters per second.
• The public boat launch closes when flow rates meet
or exceed 1,000 cubic meters per second.
TIP: Obey all public warnings about flow rates and never
go near the river when flow rates are high.
Unstable Ice
• During the winter, the ice on the river is unstable.
TIP: Never walk on the river ice.
Photo provided by Global Saskatoon