SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After months of cold and wet weather, warm temperatures are finally hitting California. Saturday was the hottest day of the year so far, as some people hit the lakes and rivers to beat the heat this Mother’s Day weekend.
“It is nice weather,” said Johnnie Johnson, who swam in the American River for the first time Saturday. “The water is very cold, but it is hot enough to get in, come out, get in.”
“(It's a) good time to catch fish or get drunk,” said Anthony Kimsey, who enjoyed the waterways near Discovery Park. “Whatever you want to do, we are just out here having a good time.”
The region finally reached the 90-degree mark for the first time this year. The warm temperatures coming just in time for American River Raft Rental to expand its operations to seven days a week.
“We have perfect water flows. Right now, 4000 CFS is the flows coming down,” said Kent Hansen, owner of the American River Raft Rentals. “That equals a perfect three-hour float for this six-mile stretch.”
Hansen says the river can be unforgiving, so it is important to have equipment that is durable.
“Right now, we got packed reservoirs perfect snowpack, a full Folsom Lake,” said Hansen. “We are looking forward to rafting into October right now.”
Sacramento Fire Department Captain Justin Sylvia says safety must be the priority as extended time in the water can cause hypothermia.
“With these currents, it will sweep you down the river. As long as you have a life jacket on, or at least have the children around the water in life jackets, that is going to be very helpful,” said Sylvia.
He urges people to be on the lookout for tree branches and other things under the surface that you could be caught on.
“If at all possible, try to throw a lifejacket or try to throw rope to them, try to throw something to them, that is not going to put you in harm's way as well,” said Sylvia.
If you do not have a life jacket, there are kiosks along the river where life jackets are free to use. The fire district and other agencies have a life jacket loaner program, click here for more information.
