Family of 8 stranded overnight after tubes damaged during BC river float

As the weather gets scorching hot in British Columbia, there’s no shortage of people that head to the nearest river to float their troubles away.

And while the popular summer activity is typically innocent enough, a pair of recent incidents in northern BC have Mounties going public with a few reminders about water safety.

The Prince George RCMP says emergency crews have had to respond to two recent incidents where people floating or rafting down rivers have become stranded.

Most recently, a family of eight was stranded overnight after their tubes became damaged during a float.

Before that, police responded to a similar incident that had “fatal consequences,” an RCMP release explained while declining to go into further details.

“Rivers are unpredictable and can contain faster currents or debris that you can’t see from a tube or raft,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.

“We also need to remember that our waters stay cold, even in this heat, and this can lead to trouble swimming if you’re exposed for a long period of time.”

With that in mind, the RCMP offered up the following tips for people to stay safe on BC rivers during these hot summer days:

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
• Avoid going anywhere alone.
• Make sure everyone in your party is wearing a personal floatation device.
• Speak to people in the community who have used the rivers before and know them well.
• Carry required safety equipment.
• Make sure to have food and water with you in case you are stranded or are out for longer than you anticipate.