The City of Edmonton has seen an increase in water rescue calls this year.
As of Thursday, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) had responded to 44 calls at river and stormwater ponds in the first four months of 2025. They say it is a “significant increase” in the amount of people and animals needing help.
One hundred eleven calls per year has been the average for the past five years, according to EFRS.
Kari Skelton made one of the calls to 911 on Tuesday when her dog, Monroe, chased after some ducks in the North Saskatchewan River.
“She started to run onto the water and that’s when the panic set in,” said Skelton. “Once they flew away, she turned around to realize that she couldn’t get back out.”
The dog struggled in the water for about 15 minutes, according to Skelton, but managed to get back to shore just as emergency crews arrived.
Rob Allan with EFRS says that warmer weather still means danger and people should exercise caution.
“Because of the nature of moving water underneath, even in our stormwater ponds, it’s really important to never underestimate the risk involved with accessing any ice surface in the city,” said Allan.
He warns that the “consequences can be devastating” and that it puts both the first responders and those they are trying to rescue at risk.
The city is asking people to obey the posted signs and to leash their pets if they are walking near low-lying trails or water.
People should call 911 if they see someone or a pet fall through ice - and should not attempt a rescue.
It’s advice Skelton says she will follow in the future and she hopes sharing her story will serve as a warning for others.
“We’re just going to be smarter about being around the river,” said Skelton. “You don’t think it’s going to be you until it is you in that situation.”
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Connor Hogg
