RCMP urge Pembina River users to take precautions

RCMP are reminding those who tube on the Pembina River that it is not a circle and inflatable river cruises require proper planning.

Evansburg RCMP on Tuesday issued the alert saying they already have dealt with several complaints involving tubers stranded along the Pembina River.

The latest was this past weekend when the RCMP used its air services to fly two stranded tubers out of the riverbed.

Visitors and residents of the area who want to tube on the river are being reminded to take these steps:

■ Know the area, review the maps and understand how long the journey will take;

■ Notify a “responsible person” where you are going, who you are with and the route you’re taking;

■ Dress appropriately for the weather, including the use of a wet suit if necessary;

■ Wear a life-jacket;

■ Avoid alcohol;

■ Bring a cellphone and store it properly.

“I’ve had a number of people tell me that they were under the impression that the river either ran in a circle or looped back around toward the provincial park,” Cpl. Brandon Tobin said in the release.

“This is false information. If you’re planning on tubing on the river do not enter the river at the provincial park campgrounds, I can’t stress that enough, the park is where you must exit the river. If you enter the river at this location or float past the park, you will be stranded,” added Tobin, operations supervisor at Evansburg detachment.

Evansburg is about 100 kilometres west of Edmonton.