Search Continues for Jet Skier After South Saskatchewan River Weir Crash
A recovery operation is ongoing on the South Saskatchewan River after a jet ski rider crashed into the river’s weir on Saturday afternoon. Saskatoon police have identified the individual and notified his family, but have not yet been able to recover the body.
“The river is not the place… and unfortunately throughout my career I have heard of cases where—and in fact I have worked—a person was in the water and was with friends and suddenly disappeared and was gone,” said Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride. “We will continue to search the river banks and keep an eye out for anything that is in the water.”
Expanded Search Efforts Underway
On Monday, two fire department rescue boats returned to the area, using sonar technology and extending the search south of the weir. Chief McBride noted that his department may deploy a search aircraft and possibly its newly acquired underwater drone to support the ongoing investigation.
He emphasized the inherent dangers of the river, particularly near the weir. “Given the location, the river current and the danger of the circumstances, it is really difficult for us to be very proactive,” McBride said.
Community Reminded of River Safety Risks
Local water safety experts echo these concerns. Jim Clunie, a longtime volunteer with the Saskatoon Water Ski Club, has spent decades educating people about safe practices on Saskatchewan’s waterways.
“The way we tell other people to enjoy boating or anything else on the river, especially around Saskatoon where there are more people, is like going to the same neighborhood but all the streets are changed,” Clunie explained. “Just because you could afford a boat or a Seadoo or whatever and had a license and insurance doesn’t mean you know everything. Like there’s a lot to learn there.”
Clunie added that tragedies like this deeply affect the entire community and urged river users and nearby residents to remain vigilant. “At some point they could show up miles downstream. You just never know. I would like to think that people who live on the river or use the river always keep their eyes open,” McBride added.
Authorities Take Precautionary Measures
In response to the incident, the Water Safety Authority has shut off water flow to Gardiner Dam. Meanwhile, the City of Saskatoon continues to warn residents to stay away from the river due to persistently elevated flow rates.
