Public safety officials in Kamloops are renewing warnings about the dangers of the Thompson River system as warmer weather, rising water levels, and recent tragedy highlight the risks facing residents and visitors heading into summer.

“The Thompson River is one of the deadliest rivers in British Columbia,” said Josh Cowen, Fire and Life Safety Educator with Kamloops Fire Rescue.

“Each year, preventable incidents underscore the importance of awareness, preparation, and respect for local waterways.”

Cowen said recent rainfall and rising river levels have created especially dangerous conditions.

“The Thompson River has unpredictable dangers, including strong currents, sudden drop-offs, waves, rapids, underwater obstacles, and debris,” he said. “As the water rises, it is quite cold and fast-moving, and spring creates serious hazards, even for strong swimmers.”

He added that many people underestimate the dangers because of warm spring temperatures.

“Warm air does not mean warm water,” Cowen said. “River temperatures remain cold well into the spring, and snowmelt increases river speed, debris, and powerful undertows, even when the surface appears calm.”

According to Cowen, sudden changes in river depth are one of the biggest hazards in Kamloops waterways, particularly near popular swimming areas such as Overlander Beach.

“You can walk five feet out into the river, and one part of the beach may have a big sandbar on one side,” he explained. “But on the south side of Overlander Beach, there’s a huge drop-off. It can go from a couple feet of water down to 15 feet very quickly.”

Cowen also warned about the dangers of cold-water shock and the body’s automatic “gasp reflex” when unexpectedly entering frigid water.

“Once your body hits that cold water, you’re automatically going to take a big breath,” he said. “If your head is underwater, you’re going to breathe in that water.”

As part of a broader public awareness campaign announced this month, the City of Kamloops, Kamloops Fire Rescue, Kamloops RCMP, Kamloops Search and Rescue, Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, and Thompson Rivers University are working together to increase river safety education throughout the community.

The initiative includes new warning signage at riverfront parks across the city, along with social media campaigns and a professionally produced river safety video currently in development.

Cowen said the video is expected to be filmed next week through Lone Wolf Productions with support from community donations.

“It will reinforce some of the safety tips that we talked about today,” he said.

Officials are encouraging residents to swim only at Riverside Park, which is the city’s only designated river swimming area, preferably when lifeguards are on duty.

Anywhere else in the river system, Cowen said swimming is not recommended.

“If people are going to swim, it’s good to have a life jacket on, especially for children,” he said. “If you’re not going to wear one the whole time, at least have one on hand.”

Officials are also reminding the public that alcohol and water can be a deadly combination.

“Alcohol significantly increases the risk of drowning,” Cowen said. “When floating or boating, plan ahead and share your entry and exit points with a trusted contact.”

The campaign’s overall message, officials say, is straightforward: respect the power of the river before another preventable tragedy occurs.