Restrictions at some American River areas ahead as county drownings reach 20 mark
If you visited Black Miner’s Bar or took a stroll on the trail along Lake Natoma, you might have seen many of Folsom’s first responders busy in the water. While it wasn’t an actual incident, it was one of the many ongoing training sessions that local firefighters, medics, and state parks officials participate in to stay sharp and prepared for actual water rescues in the region. There have been many rescues this year, along with 20 fatalities in Sacramento County so far.
“Engine 38’s crew staffed Boat 36 for a joint rescue training session with California State Parks lifeguards at Black Miner’s Bar,” the Folsom Fire Department explained. “At Folsom Fire, we collaborate with numerous regional partners to ensure seamless and effective service to our residents and visitors in Folsom.”
This year in Folsom, first responders have performed a total of 10 water rescues within the city, according to Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano. All of the local rescues were successful. While the number may not seem too concerning compared to other areas and Sacramento County overall, it’s noteworthy that most of the Folsom rescues have taken place well into the season, as opposed to earlier in the year when higher currents and cold water temperatures contribute to most incidents.
“All but one have occurred on and after June 15 of 2024,” said Cusano.
Since early July, the Sacramento region has endured record-high heat over long periods of time. During this period, many people have flocked to local lakes and rivers to keep cool while having fun. The math is simple: the more people in the water, the higher the risk for an injury or an incident, especially when life jackets are not in use.
Folsom firefighters have been fortunate this year when it comes to successful water rescues. One benefit for Folsom is that the area does not have multiple locations of swift waters and rapids like those beyond Nimbus Dam at Lake Natoma. In other districts in Sacramento County, the tragic outcomes of water rescue calls are catching up with the number of happy endings. So far this year, Sacramento County has recorded 20 drownings.
As the high heat continues into August, the calls for water rescues aren’t slowing down. Just last week, the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District responded to seven calls for assistance in the water. This year, Sac Metro has recorded 54 water rescue calls, with the season far from over. Last year, the entire season had 43 such calls, and two years ago, the season total was 33. While the increase in people hitting the waters during record heat is a contributing factor, the abundance of people not wearing life jackets is also an issue.
Just yesterday, county officials announced that diving into the waters of the American River at the El Manto access and Clay Banks in Rancho Cordova will be prohibited. Why this area? Out of the 20 countywide drownings so far this season, three occurred in these treacherous areas, known for strong currents, rugged terrain, and tunnel-like areas beneath the surface, making it easy for swimmers to become trapped by currents far beneath the water’s surface.
In all three of those drownings, the victims were not wearing life jackets, as was the case for the other drownings that have occurred countywide.
“It is very rare that we see anybody who has a significant injury, near-death experience, or fatality when they are wearing their life jacket,” says Parker Wilbourn of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. “It is something very simple. We know that sometimes people do not like to do it, but it saves lives.”
County officials said that effective Friday, Aug. 9, diving into the river at the El Manto River Access will be prohibited, and signs will be put in place this week. Additionally, rangers will increase patrols of the area to enforce the new rules and, most importantly, educate people on the dangers of the water and the importance of safety.
“We have committed to having our ranger boat on the water to patrol and provide assistance every weekend, with a particular focus on the El Manto area. These efforts will continue as long as river conditions allow,” reads the statement released by Ken Casparis, the public information officer for Sacramento County.
Multiple agencies in the region offer free loaner life jackets for residents and visitors heading to the waterways, including the Folsom Fire Department, which has devices available for pickup at Fire Station 35 at 535 Glenn Drive in Folsom. Additionally, loaner life jackets are available at multiple access points of Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma, as well as the Sacramento State Aquatic Center by Nimbus Dam.
“We do not pull dead bodies out of the river with life jackets on,” Sacramento Fire Captain Justin Sylvia said in an earlier interview after the third person fell victim to the waters near Clay Banks. “It’s always someone who doesn’t have a life jacket on. That life jacket will keep you afloat if you do run into a snag-type situation and at least keep your head above water. People just don’t want to listen to it. They think they are above that. They think they are untouchable.”
If you are not in the Folsom area, multiple agencies in the area have made it difficult to have an excuse to not have a life jacket and offer loaner programs throughout the county. Some of those locations are as follows:
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District
Station 31, 7950 California Avenue, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Station 32,8890 Roediger Lane, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Station 59, 7210 Murieta Drive, Rancho Murieta, Ca 95683
Station 61, 10595 Folsom Boulevard, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Station 63, 12395 Folsom Boulevard, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Station 65, 11201 Coloma Road, Gold River, CA 95670
Station 110, 1432 Eastern Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95864
Sacramento County Regional Parks
Discovery Park: 1600 Garden Highway, Sacramento, Ca 95833 (One site each for kids and adults)
Ancil Hoffman Park: 6700 Tarshaes Drive, Carmichael, Ca 95608 (kids only)
Howe Avenue River Access: 7929 La Riviera Drive, Sacramento, Ca 95826 (kids only)
Paradise Beach: 5211 Carlson Drive, Sacramento, Ca 95819 (kids only)
Watt Avenue River Access: 8690 La Riviera Drive, Sacramento, Ca 95826 (kids only)
River Bend Park: 2300 Rod Beaudry Drive, Sacramento, Ca 95827 (kids only)
El Manto River Access: 2000 El Manto Drive, Rancho Cordova, Ca 95670 (kids only)
Sunrise River Access
Sacramento Fire Department
Station 1, 624 Q Street
Station 5, 731 Broadway
Station 8, 5990 H Street
Station 11, 785 Florin Road
Station 15, 1640 West El Camino Avenue
Station 60, 3301 Julliard Avenue
Cosumnes Community Services District Fire Department
Station 45,229 5th Street, Galt, CA 95632
Station 71, 8760 Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Station 75, 2300 Maritime Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95624
In addition to the strongest safety tip of wearing a life jacket, City of Folsom officials urge people to follow several safety tips to stay safe on the water. Those tips include:
- Wear a life jacket: Regardless of swimming ability, always wear a properly fitted life jacket when in or near the water. Visit the Folsom Fire Department website to learn more about the Life Jacket Loan program.
- Stay informed: Keep abreast of weather conditions and water levels, as they can change rapidly, impacting safety.
- Avoid swimming alone: Always swim with a buddy and keep an eye out for each other.
- Mind boat traffic: Stay clear of areas with heavy boat traffic, and never dive into unfamiliar waters.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Save the drinks for after-the-water activities.
- Learn CPR: In the event of an emergency, knowing CPR can be lifesaving. Consider taking a CPR certification course to equip yourself with this vital skill.
In Sacramento County, an ordinance does require that every child under 13 to wear a life jacket before accessing public waters. Those who don’t follow the the ordinance can face penalties.
