{"id":268497,"date":"2026-04-15T04:15:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T04:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/268497\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T04:15:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T04:15:38","slug":"visit-yosemite-ca-how-to-stay-safe-around-rivers-waterfalls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/268497\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit Yosemite CA: How to stay safe around rivers, waterfalls"},"content":{"rendered":"

Taking a dip into a rushing river or scenic lake might seem like the perfect way to cool off after a hike in Yosemite National Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, jumping right in could be deadly, officials warn.<\/p>\n

In early April, a 5-year-old boy drowned at Shasta Lake<\/a> after entering the cold water without a life jacket, The Sacramento Bee previously reported.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine outing can become tragic,\u201d Shasta County Sheriff\u2019s Office deputies said at the time.<\/p>\n

While outside temperatures are rising, California\u2019s rivers, lakes and streams remain extremely cold.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs spring temperatures melt snowpack<\/a> at higher elevations, icy runoff tumbles thousands of feet over waterfalls into the rivers and creeks that twist through Yosemite National Park,\u201d park officials said in a March 22 post on Instagram.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter a day of hiking in the sun, feeling the cool mist at the base of Lower Yosemite Fall or dipping your toes into the Merced River can be tempting,\u201d park officials added. \u201cAs refreshing and beautiful as these places are, they are also very unpredictable and very dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat river is cold in June,\u201d Instagram user Scott Faldon wrote in a comment on the post. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine it now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what to know when visiting Yosemite this spring and summer:<\/p>\n

When does snowmelt peak in Yosemite?<\/p>\n

Depending on how much snow fell over the winter and early spring, Sierra Nevada snowpack typically begins melting in the Yosemite Valley in April, lasting at higher elevations until June.<\/p>\n

Because Yosemite\u2019s waterfalls, rivers and creeks are fed from snowmelt, the water temperature remains cold year round.<\/p>\n

Following a warm, dry winter and an unseasonably warm spring, Yosemite waterways are already surging this year, especially in the valley.<\/p>\n

Yosemite Valley is putting on a show right now.<\/p>\n

As warmer temperatures melt snowpack at higher elevations, waterfalls and creeks are rushing with water.<\/p>\n

Video by @YosemiteNPS<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/pUdZzXh4VB<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 US Department of the Interior (@Interior) April 8, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u201cYosemite Valley is putting on a show<\/a> right now,\u201d the U.S. Department of the Interior said in an April 8 post on X, sharing a video of the park\u2019s many waterfalls. \u201cAs warmer temperatures melt snowpack at higher elevations, waterfalls and creeks are rushing with water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visitors should be extra careful during spring and summer while water levels are high, Yosemite National Park said in the March 22 post.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease stay well back from the edges of rivers, creeks and waterfalls,\u201d park officials said. \u201cYosemite\u2019s creeks, rivers and waterfalls are a breathtaking experience. This spring, let that phrase remain metaphorical for you and your loved ones, not literal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"The The waterfalls are flowing heavily as the temperature rises in Yosemite National Park in April 2023. Francine Orr Los Angeles Times\/TNS Why is cold water dangerous?<\/p>\n

According to the California Governor\u2019s Office of Emergency Services, waterways fed by snow melt can \u201cinduce cold shock.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the \u201cgasp reflex,\u201d causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water and can start the drowning process immediately,\u201d the state Emergency Services Office said on its website.<\/p>\n

\u201cArea waterways are running fast and cold<\/a> due to snowmelt, and even experienced swimmers can lose muscle control very quickly,\u201d the National Weather Service\u2019s Sacramento office wrote in a March 13 post on X.<\/p>\n

According to the weather service, cold water can have adverse effects<\/a> on critical body functions such as breathing and muscle function.<\/p>\n

Being immersed in water colder than 77 degrees can impact your breathing, according to the weather service.<\/p>\n

When water is 60 to 70 degrees, breathing becomes difficult to hold or control, the weather service said.<\/p>\n

Once you lose your breath in water that\u2019s 50 to 60 degrees, it becomes impossible to regain and muscle control only lasts a few minutes, the weather service said.<\/p>\n

\"Yosemite Yosemite National Park. Bryant-Jon Anteola The Fresno Bee How dangerous are Yosemite waterfalls, rivers and streams?<\/p>\n

The Yosemite Search and Rescue team<\/a> prepares for water rescues every year, Yosemite National Park officials said in the March 22 Instagram post.<\/p>\n

Each year, the team performs 15 to 20 rescues of unprepared victims who find themselves in water,\u201d park officials said. \u201cMost accidents happen when people get too close to the water to take photos, play on rocks or take a quick dip to cool off.\u201d<\/p>\n

In fact, \u201cwater hazards such as slippery granite and swift currents\u201d ranked among the most common reasons Yosemite visitors needed rescuing in 2024, The Fresno Bee previously reported.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight now, every stream in Yosemite is running fast, high and cold,\u201d with temperatures dipping as low as 40 degrees, park officials said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoulders around rivers and waterfalls are extremely slick and treacherous to walk or climb on,\u201d even if dry, park officials said. \u201cSwift and powerful currents surge from falls and beneath surfaces that may look calm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Bridalveil Bridalveil Fall\u2019s mist is seen through the trees in April 2023 in Yosemite Valley. Warmer weather is melting the snow which feeds the waterfalls and rivers. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com How to stay safe near water<\/p>\n

Here are some safety tips<\/a> for those planning to spend time in and around water from the California Department of Water Resources, National Weather Service and Sacramento Fire Department:<\/p>\n

Plan aheadCheck the status of the park you\u2019re planning to visit before you leave your home for restrictions and guidelinesCheck river conditions<\/a> on the Department of Water Resources\u2019 website.Bring a proper-fitting life vest and shoes, as well as sun protection and water for hydration.Bring a life preserverKnow your GPS coordinates so you can provide your location in case of emergency.Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back, and let them know when you return safely.<\/p>\n

Know the water<\/p>\n

Stay out of cold, fast-running water.Never enter the water to rescue someone.Throw something that floats and call 9-1-1.Never swim alone and never go in the water after drinking alcohol.<\/p>\n

Know your limits<\/p>\n

Even the strongest swimmers can become overwhelmed when faced with cold, swift water.<\/p>\n

Life jackets<\/p>\n

Life jackets are strongly recommended when recreating in or near waterways.<\/p>\n

Supervise<\/p>\n

Keep a close eye on family and friends if you plan to be around flowing water.Always watch children in and around water. Assign a designated \u201cwater watcher.\u201dWhat should I do near swift water?<\/p>\n

\u201cSpring is here and the temps have warmed considerably<\/a>!\u201d Friends of Yosemite Search and Rescue said in a March 26 post on Instagram. \u201cWaterfall season is in full effect, and they\u2019re absolutely roaring right now!\u201d<\/p>\n

The group shared the following swift water safety tips:<\/p>\n

Never underestimate the current.Stay back from edges,Avoid crossing fast-moving streams, especially during peak runoff.Keep a close eye on kids and pets near water at all times.If you fall in, float on your back with your feet up and pointed downstream.If you\u2019re backpacking, keep your waist strap undone for easy escape.<\/p>\n

McClatchy Media\u2019s Camila Pedrosa and Sarah Linn contributed to this story.<\/p>\n

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Brooke Baitinger<\/a><\/p>\n

McClatchy DC<\/p>\n

Brooke Baitinger is a former journalist for McClatchyDC.\n <\/p>\n