Shuswap River Ambassadors

09/19/2024

BC Rivers Day is this Sunday September 22nd. This year we are putting out a river clean up challenge from September 14 to 22 to celebrate and appreciate our beautiful Shuswap River.
Don't forget to get your photos submitted by Sunday September 22nd to have your name entered into a draw to win an inflatable stand up paddleboard.

09/10/2024

We are changing things up this year for BC Rivers Day to give more people an opportunity to participate in the event. This year we are hosting a 9 day river clean up challenge, from September 14 to 22. Submit photos of you cleaning up the river and what you found to be entered to the draw.

08/30/2024

With the warm weather temperatures in the forecast the river will be busy over the long weekend. Water temperatures are 21 degrees but may cool down with the lower overnight temperatures. If you are going on the river over the weekend be sure to only park in designated areas, check weather forecasts (wind will drastically change float times) and always Pack out what you pack in!
The water levels are likely at the low for the season and you can touch in many sections of the river.

08/22/2024

The water levels are likely at or close to our low water mark for the summer season. The water is not ‘too low’ for paddling or floating on inflatables, you may have to navigate your vessel in some areas to stay in the deeper sections if your vessel sits low in the water. Motorized boats should use extreme caution as there are many sandbars and deadheads in the river that if you hit could stop your vessel abruptly.

Float times are approximate and change with weather and vessel type.
Be sure to check the weather forecast prior to going on the water, the wind will drastically change the float times. We have had many groups reporting that they have had to paddle or walk downstream due to the wind pushing them upstream or into the river banks.

As the overnight temperatures continue to decrease the water temperature will start to get cooler.

There is still a strainer (tree down in the swift current with many branches) downstream from Eby’s Hand Launch along with a log jam downstream from Dale’s Hand Launch. These are two of the environmental hazards that have caused a number of incidents however the river has many obstacles as it is a natural waterway.

Parking continues to be an issue at public river access points. Only park in designated areas and stay clear of roadways. Vehicles have been towed from the marked no parking areas.

08/09/2024

Please read prior to going on the Shuswap River as it addresses many of the questions we are frequently asked from Recreational River Users wanting to go on the river on inflatables.

As the water levels drop there are more logs and snags showing in the river, be alert to your surrounding. Many people have disregarded the warnings regarding the strainer (tree in the river) down from Eby’s hand launch resulting in additional incidents of people being hung up int the tree. Multiple people per day are having issues at this hazard in all vessel types (inflatables, stand up paddle boards, and kayaks). We advise to stay away from this section of the river.

The most common route for inflatables with the least amount of risk is from Belvedere Park to Tuey Park.

There are ‘Kids Don’t Float’ life jacket kiosks at Belvedere and Tuey Park which offers free loaner life jacket access for children. These life jackets are intended for children/weak swimmers..

08/06/2024

08/02/2024

There have been multiple incidents this week involving the strainer (tree down with branches in swift moving water) downstream from Eby’s Hand Launch. Warning signage has been put up at Eby’s Hand Launch and Trinity Bridge with additional signage being put up on the river this weekend.
Please use extreme caution when on the river as there are many down tree’s and jams in the river that can suck you in or pop your vessel.
Thank you to Vernon Search And Rescue Group Society for the updated photos of this hazard.
Belvedere Park to Tuey Park (Waterwheel Beach) has the least amount of risk and is the most common route for inflatable vessels.
Launch sites are very busy and parking is limited, only park in designated areas. Do not obstruct traffic or block driveways.

08/02/2024

Please read in full prior to going on the river as many of the frequently asked questions are addressed.
Keep in mind that your knowledge of the Shuswap River and experiences with the river varies from others. Many trips go by without incident however the number of water related incidents have increased and there are unfamiliar/ less experienced recreational river users on or around the water.

08/01/2024

Boats and helicopters don’t mix.

The BC Wildfire Service is conducting water bucketing operations with helicopters in the Two Mile and Swansea Point areas near Sicamous. Recreational boaters are making their job more difficult by boating where the helicopters are filling their buckets in Mara Lake.

We are asking all boaters to stay away from this area. If boaters see active helicopter traffic, please move along. Mara and Shuswap Lakes are very large, so there’s plenty of space to boat safely without disrupting firefighting efforts.

District of Sicamous Sicamous Fire Rescue City of Salmon Arm Swansea Point Volunteer Fire Department Swansea Point Community Association

07/30/2024

Please see below from Vernon Search and Rescue

Yesterday, Vernon SAR was tasked by RCMP to rescue two females and two dogs that were caught in a tree that was across the Shuswap River. Five members responded along with VSARs Swiftwater boat.

The two, along with their canine friends, had recently left Eby’s hand launch and thought to enjoy a float down the river. Upon coming around a corner (just before where the power line crosses the river) they came around a corner only to see a large tree partially submerged in the river. They tried to avoid it with aggressive paddling and kicking; however they were swept into the tree.

In the swift-water environment, this, is what is known as a “strainer”. Just like a pasta strainer, water runs through - pasta does not. In the instance of a tree strainer - we are the pasta. The branches of the tree pose significant entrapment hazards as the force of the moving water forces one into and typically under the tree - entangling within the branches.

In the instance yesterday, both women spent some time underwater before they managed to free themselves - only to have no where safe to extricate themselves to. They managed to call 911 for help.

While enroute and within a short distance of the scene, VSAR encountered a river boat with our unlucky paddlers and their furry friends. These good Samaritans were able to navigate their boats close enough to the tree to extricate the trapped ladies.

VSAR would like to remind users of Shuswap River, to check water levels and be aware of any hazards on the river. Water is still high and fast this time of year. While it may appear to be great potential for a relaxing float, there are many hazards that pose a threat to those not watching. A great resource for information about the reiver is the page “Shuswap River Ambassadors” - a very proactive group.

Ensure you understand river safety, have the training, tell someone where you are going and take the essentials. If you are thinking of a river float, a lifejacket is a required piece of equipment and a whistle is an essential on any river environment.

Send a message to learn more

07/26/2024

Signage has been put up at Dale's hand launch to warn recreational river users about the large log jam down stream from the launch site. Thank you to the North Okanagan Regional District for their support in putting the signs up and Transition Marketing Services for getting them made so quickly.

07/26/2024

Recreational river use on inflatables is increasing.
The most common route is Belvedere Park to Tuey Park (Waterwheel Beach) as it is the most docile and least secluded section of the river.
Water levels have approximately 25 inches to go down to the low water point when sandbars are showing..
The Shuswap River is a natural waterway with hazards including trees, log jams, sweepers, rocky sections that change from year to year. There are also hazards along the river banks in some sections including Poison Ivy, Hogweed, Hawtorns, and Stinging Nettle.
The Shuswap River is a shared use waterway with motorized and non motorized recreational use.
Respect the river and pack out what you pack in! The river is home to many aquatic species and a necessity to our wildlife. The river also a primary water source for many farms and residents.

07/24/2024

July 21-27 is National Drowning Prevention Week.
Our River Ambassadors have set up a station at the Visitor Center to educate on all the items you need when floating the Shuswap River as well as how to prepare for a safe & fun float.
Stop by and say hi

07/22/2024

With the warm weather temperatures recreational use of the Shuswap River has been increasing. The forecast for Enderby is calling for cooler stormy conditions throughout this week. We discourage going on the river in any vessel type when there is wind as it can drastically change your float/paddle times and push your vessel up stream or into the shores.

Shuswap River levels have decreased another 6 inches in the past 3 days but still have approximately 2.5 feet to go down to low water. There is still a strong current in many sections of the river.

With the warm weather over the past couple of weeks there are reports of Swimmer’s Itch from many of the near by lakes including some areas of Shuswap Lake and Mabel Lake. Swimmers Itch is more common in shallow stagnant water and less common in rivers or the middle of lakes due to the movement of the water.

07/20/2024

Life jackets/PFD's are at our 'Kid's Don't Float' kiosks at Belvedere and Tuey Park/Waterwheel Beach. These are for public use for anyone who forgot or does not have a life jacket/PFD for their child. They loaner jackets and can be returned back to either one of the kiosks after use.

Thank you to Twice but Nice (Enderby & District Care Society) for donating additional life jackets/PFD's throughout the year.

07/19/2024

Please read prior to going on the Shuswap River as this covers majority of the frequently asked questions we have been receiving.
Be aware that Conservation Officers are on the Shuswap River on Personal Watercraft's ensuring everyone has adequate safety equipment.

07/15/2024

Since Friday July 12th water levels have decreased 5 inches.

Water levels still need to decrease approximately 44 inches until the river is at low water levels, where sand bars are showing and you can touch the bottom of the river. The dates and level of annual maximum and minimum water levels change each year.

We never classify the river as ‘Safe’ there are ALWAYS hazards when in or around the water. The river is an uncontrolled water way with log jams, deadheads, sweepers, etc.

With the warm weather temperatures there has been a lot of recreational river use by swimmers, people on kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, motorized boats and on inflatables. Use caution when in or around the water as the current is strong.

All river use is at your own risk and discretion. When using the public hand launch sites on the river you must be self sufficient with their own transportation, safety equipment, and vessel. The Shuswap River Ambassador Program/Enderby Visitor Centre is not a rental or transportation company.