Tulare County portion of Kings River reopens in time for Fourth of July

KINGSBURG, Calif. (KFSN) -- Tulare County officials reopened the Kings River for boating and other recreational activities after water levels reached a reasonable level.

Families arriving to river resorts like Club Royal Oak in Kingsburg for the Fourth of July holiday weekend are surprised by the sight of water. Some didn't know what to expect after county officials restricted recreational activities on the river in late May.

"Were you concerned there wasn't going to be any water when you arrived? Action News asked Shant Youniss of Reseda.

"Yeah, I almost didn't want to come up for Fourth of July," he responded.

Back then, drought conditions had reduced the water flow so much that parts of the river running through northwest Tulare County were completely dried up.

So far the weekend is off to a good start after irrigation officials released water from the Pine Flat Dam.

"It's actually completely where it's supposed to be, so it's definitely deep enough for all boats, so if they want to launch it they're not going to be hitting the bottom or anything like that. And they actually released more water out this morning, so it will get a little bit deeper," said Club Royal Oak Resort Manager Brittney Krum.

That means boating, jet skiing and floating will be allowed on the river as long as the water levels don't drop significantly.

"I think I'm going to go swimming a little bit, start splashing my brother, squirt him in the face," said George Mina of Michigan.

At Club Royal Oak, managers expect the water to stick around for about six weeks, and the river to be boatable for about three or four. If you plan on heading out, county officials are warning you to use caution, wear a life jacket and avoid drinking alcohol while on a boat. The sheriff's office will patrol the river over the three-day weekend.