Parks Canada rescuers plucked an experienced kayaker from a steep canyon on the Yoho River last Friday (June 19).
The paddler, who was kayaking with three friends, flipped his kayak on the fast flowing river in Yoho Canyon, about 3 p.m. He managed to get out of the water after about 20 minutes, but ended up in a slot canyon with 50-metre high walls.
Aaron Beardmore, Parks Canada’s visitor safety manager, said two of the four paddlers finished their river run and raised the alarm at Cathedral Mountain Lodge, while the third paddler stayed with the injured kayaker.
“It’s Class 4 to 5 rapids and he took a nasty swim for about 10 to 20 minutes through the rapids,” he said.
“The team was able to self rescue to the point of getting out of the water, but they were stuck on the opposite side of the river in the canyon, with no way to get out.”
The kayaker, who was in his early 20s, sustained minor injuries, including cuts and bruises to his upper legs from banging against rocks and river debris. After he was rescued, he was met by B.C ambulance and treated.
Beardmore said Parks Canada sent a helicopter piloted by Alpine Helicopters pilot Heinz Blatter, and slung the injured paddler and his friend out of the steep canyon.
“Very uncharacteristically, they used a 200-foot line, which is the maximum amount of line we can use, because of how narrow and steep the canyon was,” Beardmore said. “The pilot did a fantastic job.”
Beardmore said the take home message is that mistakes and errors can happen to anyone.
“These guys were quite well prepared and able to deal with the situation and called out to Parks Canada quickly and effectively,” he said.
Meanwhile, now is the time of year where rivers in the mountain parks start to get busier with recreational users.
The Bow River in Banff National Park provides some excellent canoeing opportunities for experienced canoeists, with the three most popular sections being Lake Louise to Castle Junction, Castle to Banff and Banff to Canmore.
But the Bow River is a dynamic watercourse, continuously undergoing change.
Erosion by swiftly flowing water can result in new channels, sweepers, and logjams developing overnight, creating deadly hazards in previously harmless locations. Paddlers must be constantly aware of the potential for danger at every bend of the river.
Beardmore said it’s important paddlers be prepared.
“Whether it’s a Canadian Tire raft, stand up paddle board, a kayak or canoe, make informed choices and make smart decisions,” he said. “Don’t hop on the river without first thinking about it and knowing the risks.”
