With a new bridge between Moncton and Riverview and a free flowing Petitcodiac River, brings many curious water sport enthusiasts.
Moncton Fire Chief Conrad Landry says they expect more calls for potential rescues on the waterway.
Within 48 hours of the bridge opening, Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe responded to two incidents, one involved a boat stuck in the mud.
Landry says have a plan if you thinking of venturing out, “If you do, navigate. Know the tides, have a backup plan. It is a high tide, a fast tide so it has its challenges. We just ask people to plan ahead and make sure they know and be with someone who knows the River.”
Landry says they will always respond, but it takes a lot of resources for rescue. That includes all three fire departments, RCMP and Ambulance NB.
“We always dispatch the three departments, so Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe. We always want a minimum of two boats. Of course, RCMP are involved and ambulance, the paramedic service. Those are also usually fairly lengthy services.”
Since the new bridge was installed, the Fire Department now has a boat launch site. The Department of Transportation has built them a place to launch the boats onto the River when needed.