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The power of dog may have compelled the man to go into the South Saskatchewan river in the first place, but it was the fear of drowning that brought him back out. And the whole escapade has Saskatoon police warning people to keep their distance from the flood-swollen river.

Police got a call Tuesday night at around 6:45 p.m. CST, reporting a man in trouble near the west bank of the river near Circle Drive.

Officers were told a 54-year-old man had entered the river trying to rescue his dog.

The current was stronger than he expected and the man found himself struggling.

A fire department water rescue crew came to assist, but the man was able to fight his way back to the riverbank.

The dog got out as well.

Police said the incident highlights the potential dangers of the riverbank during runoff season.

High water levels made worse by recent heavy rains have increased the flow of the river, making navigation extremely difficult for accomplished swimmers, including pets, police said.

They're advising people to keep their distance from the river and to be careful when they're out walking their dogs.