When the warm weather arrives water seems to convey a magnetic attraction and people head for the lake and/or the river. When I was younger a group of us canoed down the North Saskatchewan from close to the headwaters to Rocky Mountain House a number times so I know how it beckons one to enter in. It may seem placid and peaceful but there's a huge amount of water flowing between the banks and whether one ventures in with or without a floatation device the river needs to be treated with respect and caution.
Enjoy your summer and the river safely.