SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento County Park Department is reinforcing the dangers of the American River after five drownings this summer.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District confirmed three happened at Clay Banks. A 16-year-old and two people in their 30s lost their lives. Ken Casparis with Sacramento County Parks said there was a fourth drowning at Clay Banks before the summer started.
“Effective today, Friday, we are prohibiting jumping and diving from the Clay Banks into the American River,” said Casparis.
Recently, a second set of signs were installed this summer at Clay Banks.
In June, yellow river danger signs warned of strong currents, cold waters and a dangerous bottom. Now in August, white signs prohibiting jumping and diving are posted every 15 feet and more park ranger patrols.
“They’ve started launching their boat every weekend so that they are proactively out there ready to respond kind of cutting back on that response,” said Casparis.
The rangers have responded to 50 water rescues this summer. Thirty were in June and 15 happened the weekend of the Fourth of July.
Visitor enjoying their afternoon are aware that this can be a dangerous spot.
"We don't want anyone to drown," said one visitor. "There have been drownings in this river. We just want to make sure we come back, we have a good time and we're safe out here."
Kayla Norton was out kayaking with friends.
"To be safe, we have our life vests, our paddles for sure because that current will take you. We have a little safety kit full of like flashlights, rope in case we need to drag anybody out. We were prepared today for sure,” said Norton.
The Sacramento County Parks Department has also moved a life jacket station down closer to the water in case people forgot to grab one in the parking lot. With the summer slogan, "life looks good on you, don’t lose it in the river."
If park rangers see anyone jumping or diving they can be cited, penalties for violating the ordinance could lead to a misdemeanor citation.
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