The Okotoks Fire Department has sent out a reminder asking residents to be cautious of the Sheep River.

With many parts of the province under a high flow advisory, the department is ensuring us the Sheep River's levels are normal for this time of year but that people and pets shouldn't get too close.

Pat MacIsaac, deputy fire chief of the Okotoks Fire Department, says potential dangers extend beyond just swimming.

"Swimming, rafting, or even wading in and activities on the shoreline. People really need to evaluate the risk," he says. "Six inches of water can knock a grown person off their feet. The current is very strong and it's faster than it looks."

The department performs a few river rescues each year, which MacIsaac says in his experience is due to people under estimating the power of the river and over estimating their ability to withstand some of the river forces.

MacIsaac says the river can host a variety of dangers.

"The water is very cold, it's easy to become hypothermic very quickly. It's got an irregular bottom that changes constantly so people can get their feet trapped," he explains. "There's bushes and trees that hang over the river which can be particularly dangerous, children and pets can get caught up in those and they're unable to extricate themselves."

He adds items like boulders, logs, and any debris thrown away by residents can also pose as problems in the river bottom.

Anyone who finds themselves in an emergency at the river should contact 911 immediately.

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