With scorching temperatures in the forecast for the next four days, it’s expected a great number of residents will head to the local waterways such as Lake Natoma and the American River as a way to beat the heat. Whether it is paddle boarding, kayaking or just chilling off the shoreline, fire and rescue officials are urging everyone to make safety their top priority.
Over the last several weeks, first responders from both Folsom and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District have responded to a number of water rescue emergencies in their respective districts. During most of the recent calls for assistance, the emergency came about as recreationalists found themselves overtaken by extremely cold temperatures, strong currents or a combination of both.
“We’ve had a few pop up early this year, and I expect as it heats up, we’re going to see more calls ahead,” said Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano. “There’s been a lot of talk about the water temperatures this year and honestly, when it comes to the American River and Lake Natoma down to Nimbus those temperatures don’t fluctuate much in a season and they remain extremely cold.”
When it’s over 100 degrees, nothing beats plunging into the refreshing cold waters to cool off. However, those planning those trips to the river or lake can’t let the triple digits outside allow them to become complacent, as the waters remain cold and can quickly take a toll on one’s body, often times have an paralyzing effect that can hinder muscle movement, a very dangerous situation.
“It’s always a hidden hazard, and it can sneak up on someone really quickly,” explained Cusano. “Before they known it, they get overcome by the cold water and that is typically how drownings typically happen out there.”
When it comes to the American River and Lake Natoma, another danger lurking below the surface and can take one by surprise. While the surface of the water looks calm, there is a current below it may fall victim to, the combination of the cold temperatures and the current are a double-edged sword when they occur.
“There is always current in that water and if you are not a good swimmer, even with a life jacket you have to be really careful out there, said Cusano. “Luckily, we don’t have any areas between the footbridge and Nimbus Dam that are rapids like they have beyond that towards San Juan. If we did, I know we have far more emergences than we already do.
While it is urged over and over annually, Cusano suggests that anyone going in the waters make safety a top priority and just wear a life jacket. It may be cumbersome; however, it could save a life.
“If people are going to be out on that river in the water, no matter how great of a swimmer they are, we definitely recommend wearing a life jacket,” he said.
The Folsom Fire Department even has a life jacket loaner program. Those heading to the river or lake can simply stop by the station on Glenn Drive and borrow a life jacket where firefighters would much rather meet you than from a rescue boat.
“We even have a life jacket loaner program here at Station 35 where they can come by and borrow one. It can make a fun day at the lake or river from becoming tragic.”
Folsom Fire Department has two rescue boats in its stable, including boat 35 and boat 36. Cusano said both boats are now in service 24 hours a day due to the increased demand that often comes with hot weather. Both Folsom and Sacramento Metro provide mutual aid to each other when it comes to area water rescues align with the Cosumnes Fire Department as time is always a priority when responding to such calls and more hands on an operation can be the difference between life and death. Back in May it was actually a Folsom firefighter who brought a teen to safety who was swept away by rushing waters in the Cosumnes River near Rancho Murieta
Another division that is dispatched to area water reduces is the Drowning Accident Rescue Team (DART). Much like Folsom and Metro firefighters, members of this specialized rescue team have been active already this season in the region.
“A lot of the public safety agencies in the region are responding to, in some cases multiple times per day, a water rescue,” said DART spokesperson Zachary Corbo in a recent interview following the Cosumnes River rescue. “It just underscores the fact that rivers, that we are often very familiar with, have changed and they are much higher risk this year than they have been in years past.”
In addition to the river waterways in Folsom, Folsom Lake is expected to be a popular destination during the incoming heat. The lake too has colder than normal temperatures as well as excess debris in many areas that can pose hazards to boaters and skiers.
California State Parks Gold Fields District Superintendent Barry Smith urges those using areas to cool off at in the Folsom Lake State Recreation to try and choose areas with life guards on duty and also urges use of life jackets.
California State Parks offers the following tips to practice water safety:
Swim at designated beaches only, and if available, swim where a lifeguard is on duty.
Always wear a life jacket or other flotation device when working around water or participating in water activities.
Never swim alone.
Never mix water activities/recreation with the use of alcoholic beverages, drugs or other mind-altering substances.
Do not swim when overtired, overheated, or immediately after eating.
Do not swim in unfamiliar areas which may harbor unknown dangerous currents, deep holes, debris or other hazards.
Do not overestimate your ability to swim.
Diving/jumping is illegal in a state park (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, 4656). Diving/jumping in unfamiliar water is extremely hazardous.