BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Kern County officials are renewing warnings about the dangers of the Kern River ahead of Memorial Day weekend after updating the river\u2019s \u201cStay Out, Stay Alive\u201d sign to reflect six deaths recorded last year.<\/p>\n
The update brings the Kern River\u2019s recorded death toll to 348 lives lost.<\/p>\n
For Markie Rohrbach and her family, the warning carries personal significance.<\/p>\n
Rohrbach, who moved to Kern County two years ago, said her family loves spending time outdoors but has been cautious about exploring local waterways while learning about the river\u2019s dangers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI grew up down on the Colorado River, down in Needles, California,\u201d Rohrbach said. \u201cWe still love the outdoors, love the river and everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Seeking more information ahead of summer, Rohrbach and her family attended a local water safety event focused on safe recreation around Kern County waterways.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’re just trying to be as safe as possible with how crazy this river is, and just get the expert’s opinion on where we can safely take our kids outdoors,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Their concerns come as search and rescue officials continue urging residents to use caution around the Kern River, especially during Memorial Day weekend, which traditionally marks the start of increased outdoor activity.<\/p>\n
On Friday, county officials updated the \u201cStay Out, Stay Alive\u201d memorial sign at the mouth of Kern Canyon, increasing the total number of lives lost in the river from 342 to 348.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe message always every year is to stay out of the river,\u201d said Sgt. Rodney Jones with the Kern County Sheriff\u2019s Office. \u201cBut we do know that people are going to get in the river.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rescue officials say swift currents, freezing water temperatures and hidden debris beneath the surface can quickly create dangerous conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey get tired, they get exhausted,\u201d said Tammy Sullivan, a lieutenant with Bakersfield Search and Rescue. \u201cThey’re sitting on a rock or holding onto a branch\u2026 and the water is still freezing cold.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brian Baskin with Kern Valley Search and Rescue said the river\u2019s appearance can often give people a false sense of security.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems like it’s not that dangerous, but in reality, it’s very, very dangerous,\u201d Baskin said.<\/p>\n
Safety advocates say one of the most common problems they encounter involves improper flotation devices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe number one mistake we see is kids wearing little arm floaties,\u201d said Gary Ananian, founder of the Kern River Conservancy. \u201cThose are not made for a lake or a river.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Rohrbach, that warning became unexpectedly relevant during the event.<\/p>\n
She said her family discovered the life jackets they brought were not properly certified for river use.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur life jackets we had weren’t even certified, so we didn’t even have the right ones,\u201d Rohrbach said. \u201cWithout them being out here, we wouldn’t know that.\u201d<\/p>\n
As her family prepares for summer recreation, Rohrbach said the goal is finding safe ways to share their love of the outdoors with their children.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just want them to enjoy the outdoors like we did growing up,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Officials recommend anyone planning to visit the Kern River this summer wear a properly fitted flotation device and call 911 immediately if an emergency occurs.<\/p>\n
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