Two distressed paddleboarders were rescued on Thursday evening near Garry Point Park.
The Canadian Coast Guard issued a radio call around 7:30 p.m. on July 31 to help two paddleboarders in the Fraser River, just south of the Sand Heads Jetty in Richmond.
A female paddleboarder was swept away by the current and separated from her husband.
Fraser Lifeboat rescued the woman, who was "very shaken" but uninjured, on the jetty just south of Garry Point Park.
Her husband was found on Shady Island, further up the river. Both were brought back safely to Steveston Harbour.
Fraser Lifeboat coxswain Ron van der Zwan said paddleboarders need to check the tides before they head out onto the Fraser River.
“When there is a steep falling or rising tide, paddleboarders should not paddle on the river. Wait for a slack tide before you go out," said van der Zwan.
"The current is very strong and people may not be able to paddle against the current, wind or waves, so it’s important to understand and work with the environmental factors encountered."
Anyone going onto the water, whether by paddleboard, kayak or boat, should carry a cellphone with them in case they need help.
“Call 911 when you need help or dial *16, which connects you to the Canadian Coast Guard."
In addition to wearing a properly maintained personal flotation device, those heading out should have a trip plan, a signalling device like a whistle, a floating throw line and at least one waterproof flashlight if you're going out near dusk.
A marine radio and licence are also recommended.
"Be safe on the water and look out for each other," van der Zwan said.
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