Cochrane Fire Services is reminding the public to stay off all bodies of water for the time being.

Between runoff and the pounding rainstorms, Cochrane received last week, Inspector Jeff Avery with Cochrane Fire Services, says water levels are too high and too fast for any recreational activities. "The river is extremely dangerous right now, especially with the fluctuation, height, and it is moving really fast. It is also very murky with lots of debris in it."

Avery shares on a recent trip he took down to the river's edge, he witnessed at least six trees float by just under the surface, in a short period of time. "It is just not safe right now, whether you are a seasoned veteran of rivers or whether you just want to go out for the day and have some fun. It is just not the right time to be on the river right now as there are too many hidden dangers."

When it comes to stormwater retention ponds in neighbourhoods such as Riversong, Fireside, and Sunset Ridge, no matter how tempting they may look, Inspector Avery says they are completely off limits. "Storm ponds in town...never be on them; whether it is in the winter or jumping in them in the summer. That is dirty water;  that is all runoff water and where all the water from the streets goes to. It is not meant for swimming or splashing each other, the bottoms are muddy, even though when it's hot outside they may look entertaining and clean, it is not clean at all."

The other area in town that attracts many on a hot day, is Jumping Pound Creek. "People have to realize that when they are walking up to the area where you can jump in, you are on private land. So you are on land that you're not supposed to be on, and again, in an area that has deep water, cold water, and you are hoping that when you jump it's deep enough that you're not going to hit the bottom."

If you are determined to head out to play or for a day-long float make sure you minimize your risk by taking a few precautions. "I have seen some people floating down on small little rubber dinghies that you can buy at Canadian Tire or Walmart, and those are just not meant to be on the river. Those are more for kids to play with at the lake and have fun with, not meant to tube down the river with. We try to warn people that is not the material you want to take on the river. If you are determined to go on the river, put a life jacket on and leave the alcohol at home."

There is no 'opening day' for safe river floating, says Avery, as water levels can fluctuate due to runoff and the opening of the dam. "It may look shallow enough that you think you can walk across the river and in some parts you can, but there are also areas where you are walking along and you go from knee deep to your next step being well over your head with currents pulling at you underneath."

Since spring thaw, Cochrane Fire Services has already responded to at least two river rescue calls, and they are hoping that number doesn't climb. "Parents, keep your children away from the edges. Water is always one of those things that fascinate people, but you have to be super careful right now. If you want to go swimming head to the pool."