COLD LAKE FIRST NATIONS – Cold Lake First Nations is warning community members and the public to stay away from the Beaver River as extremely high water levels and fast-moving currents create dangerous conditions.

The warning is particularly focused on the area around the Highway 28 bridge between Casino Dene and the City of Cold Lake.

CLFN says the river is currently moving very fast, with strong and unpredictable undercurrents that may not be visible from the surface.

“Even if the water appears calm from the surface, strong currents and undercurrents can pull you under without warning,” CLFN said in its warning.

People are being told not to jump into the river or attempt to swim or wade in the water. Parents and caregivers are also being urged to keep children well away from the river and its banks, while pet owners should keep their animals away from the water.

CLFN is also asking people to maintain a safe distance from the riverbanks while water levels remain high.

“The current conditions make the river especially dangerous right now,” the warning states.

Community members are being encouraged to share the warning with family, friends and others in the area.

CLFN has not provided a timeline for when conditions are expected to improve. Until then, the message is straightforward: stay back from the Beaver River and keep children and pets away from the water.