SACRAMENTO
BLM reminds the public to recreate responsibly on rivers, lakes, recreation sites
As we head into summer, water recreation is picking up throughout California. The Bureau of Land Management is reminding the public to recreate responsibly on California lakes and rivers, in day-use areas, or when fishing, boating, swimming or performing other forms of water recreation.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning accidents are among the most common cause of death. Wearing a life jacket is not only required for children on a moving recreational vessel who are under 13 years of age, they are also essential safety gear for all ages including adults and can save lives.
Streams, especially on the east- and west-side of the Sierra Nevada, may be above flood stage as temperatures rise and are running colder, higher and faster than they have in recent years – due to the melting of heavy-mountain snowpack. The frigid waters can cause a rapid loss of body heat known as hypothermia, which can be deadly. It can also cause a person’s muscles to cramp quickly, affecting their ability to swim and get out of the water.
There are also other hidden dangers to consider before entering the water. For example, some rivers, like the Trinity River and Clear Creek are controlled by dams. “Water levels and rates of flow can change suddenly when water is released from dams, and swimmers can suddenly find themselves in deeper water and faster currents,” said Redding Field Manager Jennifer Mata. Planned releases are often posted on kiosks. Information on streamflow rates, shown in cubic feet per second, can be found online, and visitors should pay attention to and obey any posted signs downstream of dams.
The BLM is posting warning signs in day-use areas and other recreation sites along rivers, including the Kern River, due to the risks involved with swift-moving waterways, treacherous rocks hidden beneath the surface of the water, and undertows and currents, which create very dangerous conditions downstream.
“To provide a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for the public, we encourage people to take water safety seriously,” advises Bakersfield Field Manager Gabriel Garcia. “The Kern River has powerful currents that can easily sweep you off your feet, so we encourage visitors to stay out of the Kern River. Visiting rivers, lakes and other waterways can be excellent ways to cool off in the summer, but before you dive in, please be prepared and Know Before You Go.”
Garcia says Keysville Special Recreation Management Area remains open; however, swimming is strongly discouraged and entering the water is at your own risk.
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LUCERNE
Flotilla 08-08 of Lake County free life jacket giveaway
Once again, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 08-08 of Lake County will hold a complimentary Life Jacket Giveaway for children on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Konocti Bait Shack, 6199 E. State Highway 20 in Lucerne. The event will begin at 10 am and go until 2 pm or until the supply of life jackets is depleted. Assisting the Flotilla will be the Konocti Women’s Service Club (KWSC) which made possible this free life jacket project.
The distribution of Child and Youth life jackets will be for children 12 years and younger within one of two weight divisions: 30 to 50 pounds or 50 to 90 pounds. The KWSC members will register and weigh the children. Qualified Flotilla members will fit the child with the correct size and demonstrate to the parent the proper wearing of the life jacket. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Information on Safe Boating will be available as well as an invitation to join the Flotilla.
The Flotilla of Lake County encourages boat owners and especially those with children to stay safe on the water by utilizing these complimentary services the Flotilla offers. Play it safe “Wear Your Lifejackets”
—Submitted
