Rebar rips through rafts on Bow River, prompting multiple rescues

Rebarjust below the water's surfaceripped through a number of rafts on the Bow River this weekend,prompting the Calgary fire departmentto issue a warning after multiple rescues.

The fire department said they had to repeatedly rescuerafters who were stranded on an island just west of theCrowchildTrail bridge, where one of the worst hazards lurked.

"One particularly hazardous location is just upstream from where the river passes under theCrowchildTrail bridge," officials said.

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"Large amounts ofrebarhave been discovered protruding approximately four metres from shore near the island, very near to a standing wave on the north side in the main channel of the river. It is not readily visible as it is just below the surface of the water."

Rebaris oftena set of steel bars or wires using to reinforce concrete.

The firedepartment recommends using the south side of the river to avoid the hazard but warns the current is stronger on that side.

The area is marked with caution tape as a temporary measure until something more permanent can be installed.

Calgary fire has postedsafety tips for river usage, which includes the use of life jackets.

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