Officials urge caution at Sacramento-area rivers as flows move fast and cold

More people will likely make their way to the American River to cool off as temperatures peak well above 100 degrees this week. But as last winter’s snowpack melts, river flows are moving cold and fast. Already, officials say three people have drowned in the Auburn section of the river.  

Lauren Shoemaker, state park superintendent for the Auburn State Recreation Area, said it’s important that people be educated about river conditions before they spend time there — or get into any trouble in its waters. 

“When a water rescue happens, once the emergency is taking place, there's seconds to make an intervention that is successful,” Shoemaker said. “It's not even minutes at that point.”

The first tip: Don’t underestimate the force of the river, and enter with caution.

“When you get into a river environment, an ocean environment, there's a lot of moving components to it that people that [have] primarily recreated in stagnant water might not be familiar with,” she said. 

Officials say it's also important to wear a life vest. Sacramento County provides life vests for both children and adults by visitor hotspots alongside the river. Dave Spencer, a commander with the Sacramento County Regional Park Rangers, said they’re important for people to wear regardless of their swimming abilities. 

“Even if people believe that they're good swimmers, it's not them,” Spencer said. “Sometimes it's the water that will overpower them. The cold water itself makes it more difficult, really limits their abilities.” 

Peter Paulus, a Cal Fire captain and Placer County Tactical Rescue team member, answers calls when people get into trouble along the American River. He said the people who drown aren’t wearing life vests. 

“The most common thing is people are just well beyond their abilities,” he said. “And then they don't have any redundancy to save them. They're not with a group that can help them out, not wearing life jackets — they’re not being cautious.” 

Officials expect more visitors to the American River around holidays. Paulus said people should turn to rangers stationed along the river for guidance when they visit. 

“Ask them where it’s safe, ask them where it’s not safe,” Paulus said. “It’s a really good resource that gets under utilized a lot.”  

Officials also say it’s a good idea for visitors coming in groups to keep track of each other and to educate others about the need for caution.