People defy warnings to watch flooding at a distance in Saskatoon

Jun 24, 2013 | 10:09 AM

It looks like some people are defying the warnings to stay out of the South Saskatchewan River.

A video sent to CKOM shows people wading through the water at River Landing.

The City of Saskatoon has a bylaw which prohibits swimming in the river. Alyson Edwards, spokesperson with the Saskatoon Police Service, said their officers are keeping a watchful eye on the area.

“We have our bike unit out. They are able to get into areas that cars are not,” she said.

The city and fire department have been sternly warning people to watch the flooding from a distance.

Earlier Monday, Dan Paulsen with Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services reminded people that the record-breaking flow can be dangerous.

“We have had paddlers on the water and I mean it is a federal regulation, particularly by the weir, it is a no-boating zone,” he said.

Saskatoon police are echoing those sentiments.

“We are telling people to stay away from the river. Period,” said Edwards.

“They are jeopardizing their own safety and the safety of rescue personnel.”

As far as enforcing the city bylaw, Edwards said a fine would be determined by officers on a case-by-case basis. She couldn’t comment on this particular video.

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