Paddle versus motor: peace on the river in Saskatoon

Two South Saskatchewan River fans say police aren't doing enough to make sure all users play nicely on the water.

John McClean with the Saskatoon Canoe Club recalled an incident a few weeks ago when someone riding a jet ski was buzzing the canoe club.  

"And when we told him this was a no powerboat zone he just kind of sloughed us off and told us to get lost and cranked back up the throttle and took off again," he said.

Nolan Barnes, an avid water skier and member of the Canadian National Adaptive Team, agreed there doesn't appear to be much effort to enforce the laws either on the water or on the shore, where he said he's witnessed some questionable activities.

For McClean, peace might come to the waves if the police in Saskatoon actually took the rules seriously.

"I've never seen the police out here on the water issuing any tickets," he said.

So, for Barnes, it's up the boaters.

"We just have to work together to respect each other."

Canoeist, water skier cherish the river

Both men were guests this morning on a special edition of CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning aboard the Prairie Lily Riverboat.

The river is a paradise for Barnes because just five minutes from his home it provides a peaceful setting to get away from the fast-paced life on the national team.

"It's beautiful. It's a nice way to get out of the competition atmosphere and just relax and have a good time slaloming around the river," said Barnes.

"It's a blessing that we have this in the city."