As the summer heat drives more people to the water, Kamloops Fire Rescue and City officials are urging residents to think twice before jumping into the North or South Thompson Rivers.

While these rivers may look inviting, they are anything but safe, particularly this time of year. The fast-moving currents, cold temperatures, murky water, and debris make swimming in undesignated areas a serious hazard.

“We have water that’s high, we have some bank erosion happening, and the water is murky and cold,” said Josh Cowen, Fire Inspector with Kamloops Fire Rescue. “We’re concerned about people falling in and suffering from cold immersion, which can lead to drowning.”

Only One Supervised Swimming Area

The City maintains a single supervised swimming site at Riverside Park Beach. It features a roped-off area and is staffed by lifeguards daily from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. between July 1 and mid-August, weather and air quality permitting.

“That is the only spot that we recommend for swimming,” said Cowen. “We do not monitor other areas, and swimming anywhere else in the river is always at your own risk.”

Emergency Response Challenges

Fire Rescue crews are equipped with a jet boat and swift water rescue gear, but Cowen stressed that water rescues are resource-intensive and time-sensitive.

“When we get a call, crews have to leave the station, get the jet boat in the water, suit up, and then start the search,” he said. “We always do our best, but with cold shock and fast currents, people can get swept downriver quickly. We’re not on the river at all times—there is always a delay in response.”

Water Safety Tips

To avoid preventable tragedies, the City and Kamloops Fire Rescue urge everyone to follow basic water safety guidelines:

• Swim only at Riverside Park when lifeguards are present.

• Wear a personal flotation device (PFD), especially for children or weak swimmers.

• Never consume alcohol while boating or swimming.

• Don’t tie float tubes together, as they can snag on debris or bridge pillars.

• Always let someone know your plans, including entry/exit points and expected return time.

“Just be smart,” said Cowen. “We all want to cool off in the river during the hot summer days, but make sure you have a plan and stay safe.”

In an emergency, call 911 immediately. For more water safety information, visit Kamloops.ca/WaterSafety.