Last year Fresno county sheriff's deputies made 131 rescues in just one area of the Kings River. Because of higher water levels, they expect to do more this year. And with the official start of summer just one day away...they're once again reminding people to use caution.
Fresno county sheriff's deputies were out on the Kings River Sunday, preparing what they say will be one of the busiest summers in years.
"We're anticipating a lot of folks in the water in the next couple of weekends."
Last weekend, deputies made 20 rescues on the Kings River near Highway 180 and Annadale. Over Father's Day weekend, they made 5.
Sergeant Shawn Erwin says water levels are higher and the current is faster this year thanks to an above average snowpack. "Not only is the water very fast and treacherous in some spots, it's very cold. In other words, on the surface it might seem warm, but once you get in two or three feet, it gets very cold and can take your strength away from you."
George Valdez knows that scenario all too well. He owns property along the Kings River and allows people to park there and float. He has witnessed several rescues and even helped a man who nearly drowned last year.
"I was able to lasso him, you know I threw a lasso him at him and luckily I hit him you know with it and fished him out of the water. He was exhausted. He said he wouldn't have made it another 100 feet."
Sheriff's deputies say the majority of drowning can be prevented. The most common thing they run into are people who don't know how to swim.
"The Sheriff's Department would like to have people have fun, come out and enjoy the waterways, but we'd also caution them in getting in the water, especially moving water when they don't know how to swim, they're not wearing a life preserver, their flotation device is not as good as it should be and they're drinking."
The Sheriff's boating unit told Action News they haven't experienced any layoffs this year, so they are fully staffed for the summer.
