Hundreds of people take the day to float down the Bow River every summer, but for first timers it's important to know the river can be quite dangerous.

The Cochrane Fire Department explains there are many hidden risks in the river underneath the water, water level rises and drops really unexpectedly depending on where you are situated. Some parts of the river can be knee deep, and 20 feet downstream it could be over your head.

Cochrane Fire Prevention Officer, Jeff Avery, says the main way to stay safe is to wear a life jacket.

"Everyone in the boat should be wearing a life jacket, if you're not wearing a life jacket as an adult then it should be in the boat," he says. "Kids must always wear a life jacket."

He explains that you must be very cautious if you are taking children on a float.

"Don't take them down rapids, if the boat flips over this isn't a lake where you can just float, the current will take you downstream, there's so many obstacles, sharp rocks and logs."

It is also important to stay sober, alcohol is never permitted on the river, it is also important to let someone know where you will be going, and how soon you plan to be back.

If you're about to take your first trek down the river, Avery says there are a few areas that may be good for you, and ones you should avoid.

"You don't want to go by the dam area, when they open that the current gets really fast. Down by the bridge here in Cochrane is calmer."

Avery adds the water in the river is very cold, hypothermia can set in quickly if you are submerged.