Ahead of what’s expected to be a warm Canada Day long weekend, city officials are reminding people to stay safe when floating down the Penticton River Channel.
Those planning to beat the heat with a float down the river should be aware of the risks and follow these safety guidelines, according to the city:
• Do not tie floats together
• Wear life jackets
• Avoid alcohol and apply sunscreen
• Keep an eye out for hazards, such as bridge abutments and other floaters
• Pay attention to the exit and stay right on the final three-quarters of the way down. “If you cannot make the exit, don’t panic, stay on your flotation then paddle right to the beach on Skaha Lake,” a city press release said.
• When exiting the river channel, make room for others accessing the stairs
• Call 911 if you are experiencing or witness a water emergency
Floating down the channel is one of many things to do in the city for the holiday, with Ribfest, Penticton Scottish Festival and Canada Day festivities at Gyro Park all going ahead.
READ MORE: Here’s what’s happening this weekend in Penticton
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logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com