The Shuswap River in Enderby, June 23, 2021.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Shuswap River Ambassadors
June 25, 2021 - 12:00 PM
With hotter temperatures people may be considering a float down the Shuswap River in Enderby, but that's not a great idea right now.
The Shuswap River Ambassador program said in a post to social media that a strong current, high water, debris and new log jams are creating dangerous hazards for floaters and it recommends staying off the river at this time. Floating the river on an inflatable is not recommended.
“The river is never classified as safe but high water creates many additional hazards. The river currently has a strong current, murky water, cold temperatures, debris, and new log jams, sweepers and deadheads. These hazards may pop your vessel and it is difficult to swim to shore with the strong current and cold water conditions. With the limited public access to the river you may be stuck in the water with no vessel for many hours,” according to the Shuswap River Ambassadors in the post.
The ambassadors report many people have been on the water using kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards.
If residents chose to go on the water, the ambassadors recommend to stay away from edges where residents can become trapped or flipped by logs, stay clear of motor boats, wear a life jacket, do not go out in windy or stormy weather, bring dry clothes and know your route.
“Waterwheel/Tuey Beach has swift currents and very little sand beach. Ensure if you are swimming at the beach to respect the current,” the post to Facebook reads.
Water temperatures are at 16 Celsius on the Shuswap River which is much colder than an outdoor pool at around 29 C.
The River Ambassador Program is a grant funded initiative to aid in the sustainability of the Shuswap River. Ambassadors educate river users on safety and protocols along with cleaning the banks and bed of the river.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Shuswap River Ambassadors
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