The safest place and time to swim at Riverside Park beach is when a lifeguard is on duty. The best place to swim is in a supervised pool.
Water recreation is not only a lot of fun, it can also be a strenuous pastime, especially when you’re spending all day in the hot sun. Fatigue and heat illnesses can be dangerous when mixed with driving a boat or swimming. Make sure you bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, wear protective clothing and sunscreen, and don’t push yourself past your limit.
If you are experiencing water or marine distress, or if you witness a water or marine emergency, call 911.
Swimming in the River
Swimming in the river is dangerous. Both the South Thompson and North Thompson rivers present risks and hazards that everyone should be aware off. They both possess fast-moving current, drop offs, waves, rapids, underwater obstacles, and hazardous debris.
The City provides a supervised swimming site at Riverside Park in the summer months. This is the only designated river swimming area. Swimming at Riverside Park and anywhere else is at the swimmer’s own risk. The safest time to swim here is when a lifeguard is on duty.
Lifeguards are stationed annually at Riverside Park beach July 1 to mid-August and supervise the roped off swimming area seven days per week from 1:00–5:00 pm, weather and air quality permitting.
Water Safety Tips
Wear a life jacket, especially non-swimmers and children.
Jumping into a river or lake can be refreshing during summer heat. Even on warm days, cold water can be dangerous. Cold shock from sudden immersion can affect breathing and heart rate, increasing the risk of drowning.
Check the weather. Changes in temperature and wind can quickly increase swimming difficulty.
Be aware of other people's activities in the same waters, such as boating.
If floating down the river, do not tie your floats together. Floats can easily get wrapped around bridge abutments, docks, or debris in the water— floats can easily flip over in this situation or pin floaters against the hazard.
Keep an eye out for potential hazards, like bridge abutments, and other floaters.
Being water competent in natural water requires additional knowledge and skills than in the pool. Use all the same precautions as a swimming pool and more.
Avoid alcohol and apply sunscreen.
Avoid swimming in low light or at night. Swimmers are more visible during the day
Most important—have a plan! Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. If floating on the river, let that individual know you entrance point and planned exit point.
All passengers should wear a life jacket or personal flotation device, including your pets.
Boat sober—according to the Lifesaving Society, alcohol was involved in 38% of all boating deaths in BC and roughly 40% of drowning fatalities in Canada are alcohol-related.
Get your boating license. Only those with a licence are legally allowed to drive the boat.
Have a plan. Make a boating safety kit and tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
Wear a life jacket, especially non-swimmers and children.
Closely supervise young children and non-swimmers near water. If you're not "within arms' reach" of them, you've gone too far.
Swimming lessons build confidence and save lives—especially around backyard pools.
Always swim with a buddy—whenever possible play and swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
Learn lifesaving skills—take a lifesaving course like Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and National Lifeguard.
