Elk River floaters need to be aware of a new and dangerous hazard at a logjam upriver from the Fernie RV Resort. Fernie Search and Rescue and the Elk Valley RCMP have posted warnings and advisories to river floaters.
A new sweeper (fallen tree) is making the river right exceptionally dangerous. Several people have become entangled in it. Please exit the river and walk beyond the hazard unless you are in a river craft that can be easily steered.
The Elk Valley RCMP asks that if you abandon any watercraft and safely reach shore, please call 250-423-4404 to inform them, so it does not needlessly generate an emergency response by police, fire, and Fernie SAR. If you are in distress or witness a person in distress on the river, call 911.
The best option to stay cool and safely enjoy the river is to book a float with a Fernie River Outfitter. Here are your options.
Entrapment is the most common river fatality as people underestimate the power of the river and assume they can keep their head above water when entrapped or easily escape from a logjam. It’s nearly impossible; only the very lucky escape entrapment.
Floaters do not have adequate directional control to navigate and avoid obstacles; the river is in control, and the current will pull you into a logjam.
Here are some tips to keep you safe:
• Recreational floaters should stick to the safe section from the North Bridge Put-in to Dogwood Park take-out.
• For other sections of the Elk River: PFDs, navigable watercraft, and water rescue skills are essential.
• For longer floats: River users must have craft that can be steered and navigated around the obstacles.
• Do not allow children to navigate solo.
• Always wear a PFD, but do NOT assume a PFD will save you or a child; in a logjam, they can add to the entanglement hazard.
• Estimate your time of arrival and make sure someone knows your itinerary.
• If you lose your watercraft, please inform the RCMP or Fernie SAR so resources aren’t wasted searching for you.
Fernie Search and Rescue is a wilderness emergency response group that acts on behalf of Emergency Management BC. The group comprises volunteers who assist people in emergencies in the backcountry. Fernie Search and Rescue can be tasked by various agencies, including the RCMP, the British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS), Fire/Rescue, local municipalities, and the Department of National Defence.
Members of the public needing a SAR response should call 911, ask for the RCMP or BCAS, and state that the nature of the emergency is in the backcountry or river and requires a SAR response.
To make a Fernie SAR donation you can do so online here.
Be safe, folks. It’s inexperienced river users who make the headlines.
Pics: FSAR, T49 & EVRCMP
