According to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, as temperatures begin to rise, rivers and streams are full of dangerously cold and swift moving water.
PG&E is encouraging water enthusiasts to take extra precaution when in or near rivers, especially around dams, where water flows can change rapidly. Here are a few tips to consider when recreating near water.
Stay Out and Stay Alive – Stay Out of Canals and Flumes
- Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay out of these water conveyances, regardless of who owns them, as they are very dangerous due to slippery sides and fast-moving cold water. For a number of reasons, not all areas are open for recreation. Keep out of canals and off elevated flumes. Be mindful of signs and warnings. Stay out of areas that are signed as restricted, fenced off or buoy line.
Know the Risks
- Prevention is the best way to save a person from drowning. By the time a person is struggling in the water, a rescue is extremely unlikely and places the rescuer at risk.
- Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia, and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.
- Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This may confuse swimmers, causing them to venture deeper into the water.
- Cold water also reduces body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air does at the same temperature and causes impairment that can lead to fatalities.
Learn About Self-Rescue Techniques
- If you do fall into the water, here are some survival tips:
- Don’t panic. Do control breathing, don’t gasp. A sudden unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. It takes less than ½ cup of water in a person’s lungs to drown. When someone remains calm, they have a greater chance of self-rescue.
- Stay with your boat. It will help you stay afloat and will be seen more easily by rescuers. If it’s capsized, try to climb on top.
- Stay afloat with the help of a life jacket, regain control of breathing, and keep head above water in view of rescuers.
- If possible, remove heavy shoes. Look for ways to increase buoyancy such as seat cushions or an ice chest.
- If you’re in the water with others, huddle together facing towards each other to help everyone stay afloat and keep warm.
- If you do fall into a river without a life jacket on, keep your feet pointed downstream and turn onto your back.
- If you fall into the water with waders on, roll onto the shore. Wear a belt with waders.
Know your Limits
- Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool – people tire more quickly and can get into trouble.
- Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface – this is especially the case during spring and early summer snowmelt. Rising water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are recommended.
Wear a Coast Guard-approved Life Jacket
- Conditions change quickly in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when boating or swimming.
Adult Supervision
- Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Do not assume that someone is watching them. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults. Use the buddy system and never swim alone.
Trout season opens on April 27th. PG&E hopes anglers take extra precaution as well.
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