Boaters, rafters reminded to stay safe this long weekend

Lakes and rivers will be busy with boaters this long weekend and water safety experts want people tostaysafe.

• More rafters rescued from Calgary's Bow River
• Toxic algae on Eagle Lake east of Calgary prompts advisory

City of Calgary officials arereminding people who are planning to floatdown the Bow and Elbow rivers this weekend that while water levels have dropped since last month's floodingthere is still a considerable risk for those who are not prepared for the conditions.

"Should you choose to use Calgarys rivers, please exercise extreme caution," said Calgary police deputy chief Trevor Daroux in a release.

"The ever-changing conditions of Bow and Elbow rivers demand respect and we encourage anyone who chooses to go on the water to take the appropriate steps to ensure their safety."

Officials say there have been significant changes to the stability of the riverbanks, which increases the danger of being on or near them. Debris and poor water clarity arealso causing problemsbecause hazards and obstacles are obscured below the surface.

"There have been several rescues over the past couple of weeks," said Calgary Fire Department deputy chief Ken Uzeloc in a release. "While both rivers are accessible to the public, CFD deems them still a danger and therefore we continue to have an advisory out on both bodies of water."

Officials say all rafters are required to wear lifejackets and should be aware that recent flooding has altered river channels and they may have to react quickly to navigate new hazards.

Be BOATsmart!

It's estimated there are more than 10.5 million boaters in Canada, but only 3.5 million of themhave a licence.

BOATsmart! Canada president Cameron Taylor says it's a basic requirement for those who operate a power-driven boat.

"You want to make sure you are confident in navigation rules, and the best way to do that is make sure you obtain your boat smart operator card," he said.

"That card is required by law or you face a minimum $250 fine. But more importantly going through the process to get that boat smart operator card ensures that you have the knowledge you need to boat safely."

Taylor also says other ways to keep safe are to always wear a life jacket and refrain from drinking and boating.

Roughly125 people die each year on average in Canadabecause ofboating-related incidents.

Flood-damaged park areas open

More of the areasin Kananaskis Country that were damaged inJune'sfloodingwill also be opening justin time forthe August long weekend.

• Alberta's flood-ravaged Kananaskis Country recovering
• VIDEO:Volunteers repair flood-eroded trails in Kananaskis

The province announced today that crews have beenbusy repairing roads, bridges, trails and campgrounds in recreation areas west of Calgary.

Officials say almost 80 per cent of summer trails and more than 70 per cent of campgrounds are now open.

But some areas will remain closed, including the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Visitor Information Centrethat was structurally damaged when floodwaters hit the area. An alternate information centre is located at William Watson Lodge,located just2.7 kilometres south.

Alberta Transportationplans toopen a temporary bridge over the Elbow River on Highway 66, west of Bragg Creek, onFriday but it will be restricted to one lane of traffic.

Highway 541 from west of Eden Valley Reserve to Highwood Junction will also reopenFridayafternoon. But the southern section of Highway 40 from the winter gates to Highwood Junction remain closed because of extensive damage in the area that is currently only accessible by helicopter.

Officials are warning hikers to exercise caution on trails as flooding changed a number of waterways, making them deeper and faster. The public are being asked toreport any unmarked hazards to the Kananaskis Information line at 403-678-0760.