Monday evening, Mayor Ian Hamilton proclaimed July 17 to 23 National Drowning Prevention Week in North Battleford with words of caution from Director of Leisure Services Bill Samborski.
In addition to encouraging people to make smart choices around lakes and swimming pools, Samborski also pointed to the North Saskatchewan River and the low levels that may fool people into thinking it's safer than it is.
"The river bottom always changes," he said.
The water may appear shallow, but there are holes that move around.
He also said the river bank changes every year.
"Where you could walk last year doesn't mean you can walk this year," said Samborski.
"We've been so fortunate in and around our community in that regard, if anything I'd just like to put people on a higher alert because of that."
The request to have National Downing Prevention Week proclaimed came from the Lifesaving Society, a national, volunteer organization and registered charity composed of 10 provincial and territorial branches, individual members and more than 4,000 affiliated swimming pools, waterfronts, schools and clubs.
