AUBURN, Calif. — With the snowmelt sending cold water rushing down from the Sierra, whitewater rafting companies offer thrill-seekers white-knuckle experiences on California waterways.
Under these conditions, preparation and training are the keys to safety, according to Deric Rothe, who has owned the Sierra Whitewater company in Lotus for 16 years without a major incident.
Mike Howard, superintendent of the Auburn State Recreation Area, has posted warnings near the American River confluence encouraging everyone to "stay out of, and away from," the rivers this time of year.
"Unless you are a whitewater expert wearing proper, river protective gear or on a commercial river trip, you are unprepared to be in the water," Howard wrote, noting that 52 people have drowned in the recreation area's rivers since 1983.
Rothe said his clients wear class five life jackets and his crews train endlessly.
"This is a year to be careful, to be focused and be on it, and realize what you're getting into," said Rothe, adding that the big waves this year make rafting feel "like a roller coaster."
River tragedies are "completely preventable," according to California State Parks, by following the recommendations below:
- Anyone near the river should be wearing a life jacket in case of an unexpected fall into the river. We provide life jackets at no charge in the Confluence area and at Upper Lake Clementine.
- Actively supervise children at all times. Keep them away from the water.
- Do not overestimate your swimming abilities. Cold water and swift currents can exhaust a person in seconds.
- Swimming across Clark’s Hole (North Fork upstream from the Foresthill Bridge) is extremely dangerous, unnecessary, and has been the location of recent drownings.
- By the time a person is in need of rescue, there is virtually nothing we can do to save that person.
- If you find yourself in the river, aggressively swim to the shore, do not swim against the current. This uses energy very quickly and no one can swim upstream in swift current.
- Many people have drowned attempting to save others. Focus on preventing a rescue for you and your loved ones.
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