Valley rivers still dangerous despite low water levels, rescuers say

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno firefighters hit the water in one of the few parts of the San Joaquin River with rapids. Rescuers say even with low water levels, their skills have to stay sharp.

"It's like anything, if you don't use the skills you lose them. And as my wife likes to say, 'Don't meet your equipment for the first time on a call,'" said Capt. Bob Van Tassel with the Fresno Fire Department.

On Friday, one crew was practicing pulling a swimmer into their rescue boat at Lost Lake Park. They were also using what are known as "throw bags" to reach out and pull swimmers to shore. They say the water, which comes down from the Sierra Nevada, is cold and can put swimmers in shock.

"The water is still down in the 50-55 degree range. So suddenly you have a 50 degree change in temperature. If you think about it, it's like throwing a bucket of ice water on your face," said Van Tassel.

Actual rescues are much higher this year than initially anticipated. A video was recorded Tuesday night along the Kings River near Goodfellow Bridge in Fresno County. One man was found clinging to a branch for nearly 45 minutes. The three women he was with were found on shore, but deputies say they weren't wearing life jackets.

"Water weighs about 8.5 pounds per gallon, and a cubic foot of water smashing against your back is the sort of thing that will smash you against a rock, or push you into a tree, or fold you over and drown you," said Van Tassel.

That's why these crews train so frequently. It's good to remember, the water looks calm on the surface, but is swift beneath.

And they say the best way to stay safe this summer is stay out of the river if you don't know how to swim, and especially if you've been drinking.