With river levels finally on the wane and Canada Day festivities set for Riverside Park Sunday, residents can breathe a little easier thanks to the hard work of City crews, who worked around the clock to ensure the biggest weekend of the year in Kamloops goes off without a hitch.

As families, friends and thousands of Kamloops residents descend on the park for the weekend activities, they should know that it’s only possible due to the hard work of municipal employees. Without their tireless efforts, the park would undoubtedly be a soggy mess and the fine Canada Day tradition put at risk.

But as safe as it has been made for the public, danger still lurks in plenty of locations fronting the river and extra caution is still something to consider.

Parents must keep an extra close eye on their children and pets so they don’t stray too close to the riverbank, where safety is still in doubt due to high water levels. And boaters must do the responsible thing and heed the instructions of police to stay off the river in designated areas due to hazards posed by giant chunks of floating debris and a swift current.

Not a long weekend goes by without tragic news of lives lost, whether it’s on the region’s highways or on the water, where so many of us choose to spice up the weekend with a family boat ride. When we all know ahead of time how dangerous it is, why would we take the chance?

Despite all the warnings, however, there will be thrill-seekers who insist on testing fate and defying orders to steer clear of the water. If there’s an emergency, they’ll be putting the lives of rescue teams on the line.

If you’re boating on the Shuswap or somewhere else that has no restrictions, take the needs of others into consideration when you’re on the water. Wakes caused by racing boats or personal watercraft can cause waves big enough to send water over barriers and into basements.

Canada Day is meant for celebrating this fine nation and for reminding ourselves how fortunate we are to live in a country so rich in natural resources, spectacular natural beauty and friendly, helpful people.

Enjoy it, but keep safety and the well-being of your neighbours in mind.