BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and that means fun with family and friends to enjoy all that Kern County has to offer — including the Kern River.

Hundreds of drivers pass two signs on Highway 178 every single day. Six people drowned in the Kern River last year, bringing the total number of deaths to 348 since the 1968.

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The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is spreading a stern warning about jumping in.

While the sight and sounds of the waves crashing in the river appear as if they’re inviting you to jump in on a hot day, it’s best you don’t.

“Going in the river is not a good idea, it’s flowing very fast right now,” said Sgt. Rodney Jones, who updated the number of drownings on the sign Friday morning.

Even if on the surface the water does not look like it’s moving, lurking under the ripples, “It’s flowing very fast and can suck you under and any undertow. Therefore you could be caught on a limb, there’s branches, there’s trees, there’s undergrowth in that river,” said Jones.

Brian Baskin works in the Upper Kern area where the current is especially intense.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is that some of our outcomes don’t end in the way we like them and does result in someone drowning,” Baskin said. “While that’s disappointing, it’s fulfilling to bring a loved one home that’s been lost in the river.”

But the sheriff’s office knows people will go in, so if you do, don’t drink alcohol and wear a life vest. The tide can shift quickly, and having a life vest on could mean life or death.

“What we see out there is kids wearing adult life jackets, or adults wearing kids’ life jackets and it’s not properly put on,” said Gary Ananian, who founded the Kern River Conservancy 13 years ago

Ananian said he’s seen horrible cases of drownings in the Kern River.

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“I remember one child that was swept away and unfortunately perished, who was wearing those little arm floaties and the parents just didn’t want to listen,” said Ananian.

Ananian is seeking to make sure every man, woman and child has a river-grade life jacket this year. He gave away 100 at Hart Park Friday afternoon.

“I don’t think we even budgeted for life vests, we would have just gone with whatever is available,” said Jessica Yanet, who picked up a life vest for her son Friday afternoon.

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