With sunshine and temperatures well into the 20s this weekend and early next week, Kamloops firefighters are urging people to stay away from the water.

Assistant Fire Chief Robb Schoular says its especially critical this year, with snowpack levels in the Kamloops area still at a 20-year high.

“We are literally between two high stream warnings in Kamloops here,” he said. “Water levels are rising and fast flowing water in the streams and rivers can look very calm on the surface, but an adult can be knocked over by six inches of fast moving water.”

Schoular says to keep all pets on a leash if you’re out by water.

“It’s because they can also be swept away and all of a sudden we’ve got two rescues to look after,” noted Schoular, who is still urging people to go out and enjoy the outdoors.

“But at the same time, be aware of your surroundings, and be aware that river levels are rising,” Schoular said. “It is more unpredictable this time of year, and so we want people to stay safe.”

The BC River Forecast Centre says both the North and South Thompson Rivers are likely still a month away from hitting their peaks, as higher elevation snow continues to melt.