WHEN I SEE IN A FEW MINUTES. ALL RIGHT. HEATHER. THANKS. WELL TEMPERATURES WARMING UP. MORE PEOPLE ARE GETTING OUT ON THE WATER, AND FIRE CREWS ARE SENDING OUT A WARNING BEFORE YOU JUMP IN. MAINLY, THEY WANT TO SEE EVERYONE WEARING A LIFE JACKET WHEN THEY’RE IN THE WATER. BECAUSE NOT ONLY ARE THE AMERICAN AND SACRAMENTO RIVERS SWIFT IN PLACES, THEY ARE ALSO COLD. ISN’T STAGNANT WATER LIKE A SWIMMING POOL? THIS IS FLOWING WATER WITH A CURRENT. THESE CURRENTS ARE VERY QUICK MOVING, ESPECIALLY ON THE AMERICAN RIVER. THERE ARE PARTS WHERE IT’S EXTREMELY FAST MOVING. CREWS ALSO SAY THAT IF YOU SEE SOMEONE GO UNDERWATER, DO NOT JUMP IN AFTER THEM. THROW A ROPE OR
Fire crews urge safety precautions for swimmers in American and Sacramento rivers
Updated: 5:17 PM PDT May 9, 2026
As temperatures rise, fire crews are urging swimmers to take precautions when entering the American and Sacramento rivers, emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets. The rivers are not only cold but also swift in certain areas, posing significant risks to swimmers. “This isn’t stagnant water like a swimming pool, this is flowing water with a current. These currents are very quick moving, especially on the American River. There are parts where it’s extremely fast moving,” fire crews said. Crews also advised against jumping in after someone who goes underwater. Instead, they recommend throwing a rope or flotation device, calling 911, and providing a detailed description of where the person went missing.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
As temperatures rise, fire crews are urging swimmers to take precautions when entering the American and Sacramento rivers, emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets.
The rivers are not only cold but also swift in certain areas, posing significant risks to swimmers.
“This isn’t stagnant water like a swimming pool, this is flowing water with a current. These currents are very quick moving, especially on the American River. There are parts where it’s extremely fast moving,” fire crews said.
Crews also advised against jumping in after someone who goes underwater. Instead, they recommend throwing a rope or flotation device, calling 911, and providing a detailed description of where the person went missing.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel