FRYEBURG – The summer tourism season is in full swing, but Fryeburg officials are asking canoeists planning to paddle down the Saco River to stay home.

Rivers and streams across northern New England have been turned into raging torrents, and officials say the normally placid Saco River is no different. Police Lt. Mike McAllister says many paddlers consume alcohol, compounding problems.

Last weekend, police had to help at least three groups of paddlers who capsized or saw their canoes washed downstream after being dragged ashore.

McAllister says police don’t want that to happen again this weekend, so they’re encouraging canoeists to delay their trips until things settle down.