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With ice beginning to accumulate on the North Saskatchewan River, the City of Edmonton reminds dog owners to take extra precautions when allowing their dogs to be off leash.
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On Saturday, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responded to an area near the Wolf Willow pedestrian bridge after a dog made his way into the river. City spokesman Rowan Anderson said the cub eventually made it to shore, but was lucky to avoid being swept away.
Spring and late fall are particularly dangerous times for dog owners who frequent the river valley, as frozen or thawed river ice increases access to whitewater.
The danger disappeared in April when Rob White, a 55-year-old artist and businessman, crossed the ice while trying to rescue a stranger’s dog in Sir Wilfred Laurier Park.
The dog was saved, but White was swept away. His body was located more than a week later near Government House Park and Groat Road.
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Anderson said the city recommends keeping dogs on a leash even at off-leash dog parks. He also highlighted the importance of knowing where you are.
“Saying you’re at the Terwillegar dog park doesn’t do much good,” he said in an email. “Some of the parks are very large, with difficult access to the river. Details are critical, especially in an emergency. “
If park users are in trouble, they should immediately call 911 instead of trying to rescue a pet or human heading downstream.
If someone ends up in the water, Anderson urged those at the scene to keep them in sight for as long as possible.
Reference-edmontonjournal.com