Rafters swept downstream in Red Deer River, water levels high

Officials are asking people to avoid recreational use of the Red Deer River because of high water levels. Emergency crews were called to assist several people on the river on Saturday afternoon. Around 3:45 p.m., crews received a distress call from a group of rafters near the Gaetz Avenue bridge. The rafts, which were tied together, got hung up on bridge pilings, separating and overturning the rafts. Eleven rafters ended up in the water. Some nearby kayakers were able to provide some assistance,