River Drownings

Wow, what a bad start to the year. I sure hope the trend doesn't hold - it can be such a great pastime when people are carefull. I'm heading up to Sac so I'll give a report on the "insanity level" when I get back. Be safe.

Jim
 
It doesn't take insanity for drowning in the American or Sac Rivers. If it isn't windy, the river looks very calm and serene with many sandy beaches. But this time of year the water is mostly snow melt and very very cold. It is also full of undertows. And the sand suddenly drops off! So a person walks out into the river in the soft sand and in one step is in very deep, cold water with strong currents and undertows. Even if you are a good swimmer, you will have trouble---especially if you panic! A PFD will help you survive, but often even young children do not wear them. They are available for free along the river and from nearby fire stations. Conditions do improve later into the season, but the rivers are always something to be respected.
 
Flutterby,

You sure know your way around - you are a wealth of information!

Thank You, from all of us newbees!!!!

Jim
 
I'm always amazed that people who can't swim will venture out into a river without a PFD.
 
Jim, I spent my teen years in Sac and became very familiar with the area's watering holes----the swimming kind! My favorite was Folsum Lake, not the rivers.
 
i called cg about 2 weeks ago
on american river at sac river i saw someone
swimming across, he made it, thats why i called
he was going to swim back
the next day the 11 yr old drowned there
i told them to call sheriff boat that was down river 1 mile, dont know if they did

bill
 
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