SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Hundreds of families are expected to flock to Sacramento area waterways this Mother’s Day weekend to escape the climbing temperatures.
The California Office of Emergency Services says this time of year can also be some of the most dangerous because of the cold water and people not taking precautions.
"We're from Sacramento. We come down here and enjoy the sun, enjoy the beach and you gotta be deliberate about your kids. You gotta watch your kids because you know anything could happen,” said Abel Ruiz, visiting Tiscornia Beach. “I grew up around this area and people have lost their lives here."
Officials are encouraging people to get out and enjoy the waterways as the temperatures rise, but warn those taking advantage of the cool water to stay vigilant.
"We just want everyone to be aware of some of those hazards out there. The water is cold. It debilitates you if you get in it too fast, or if you're not watching the kids and they're wearing floatation devices, personal floatation devices it can be a problem,” said Larry Collins, Special Ops & Hazmat Deputy Chief, Cal OES Fire & Rescue.
She says even if someone is an experienced swimmer, the cold temperatures could shock the body.
“With the streams moving faster than usual and higher than usual, we have what we call strainers out there, where trees have gone down and other hadrons and brush gets in the way. It strains you out,” said Collins. “We have our low-head dam scenarios with hydraulics."
Cal OES says all fire departments, law enforcement and other agencies are trained and prepared to do swift water rescues but the public can help prevent rescues from being needed.
"It takes a second to lose (your children) that fast,” said Ruiz. “Be safe. Don't take it for granted. Watch that water, ‘cause that water's cold and it gets deep right away."
Other ways to help prevent dangerous situations are making sure everyone is wearing a lifejacket. Cal OES says the best way to help someone who has fallen into the water is to throw rope or other means of helping someone get pulled to shore, then calling 911.
