Sacramento First Responders Warn of Hidden River Dangers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As temperatures rise into the 90s this weekend, Sacramento emergency responders are urging residents to stay safe near local rivers. They held the fifth annual Drowning Prevention Event at Tiscornia Beach to address safety hazards and the importance of wearing life jackets.

In the last 10 years, 59 drownings occurred within the city’s jurisdiction along the Sacramento and American rivers. “We don’t come out here for water rescues and pull bodies out of the water that have life jackets on, so they do save lives,” said Justin Sylvia, public information officer for the Sacramento Fire Department.

During the event, responders highlighted how the underwater topography can be deceptive and may hide dangerous conditions. Sylvia presented a video showing a natural land bridge that emerged when water levels were lower, extending from the beach toward the river’s middle. As river levels rise, this land bridge can become submerged, creating risks for swimmers.

“If you take a few steps left or right, you can suddenly fall into much deeper water. The underwater topography can change from year to year, so it’s not always the same as you remember it,” Sylvia warned.

He also pointed out that the water temperature in the American River is currently below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This cold water can shock swimmers and temporarily incapacitate them if they are not prepared.

The Drowning Prevention Event also featured participation from the City of Sacramento’s Office of Emergency Management, the Police Department, the Community Emergency Response Team, and the USCG Auxiliary Unit. Local officials continue to stress the importance of safety measures as warmer weather approaches.