Kings River officially reopens in Fresno, Tulare and Kings County for recreational use

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Kings River is officially reopened for recreational use in Fresno, Tulare and Kings County.

Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni, Kings County Sheriff David Robinson and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux have come to an agreement to open the river to the public.

"Now is the time to open the river back up to the public. What's transpired over the last few weeks is that the water flows have steadied on the Kings River. While they are still very dangerous, they are much less than what we experienced in the spring and in the early summer," said Tony Botti with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

Officials say water levels have now decreased since spring and early summer for safe use.

Previously, the Kings River closed on March 14, 2023, due to the hazardous conditions created by the record rainfall and snow melt from this past winter.

Botti says the water conditions are still dangerous, but they are "much less" than compared to earlier in the year.

"We want the public to know that we hope you enjoy the Kings River for the rest of the summer," Botti said.

The Kings River along Reedley Beach in Fresno County had water coming into the parking lot back in April.

On Tuesday, the water decreased in the same place.

While officials say closing public waterways is never easy, it's to prevent deaths, as we saw in May.

"We had two tragedies occur, unfortunately with an 8-year-old and a 4-year-old, the siblings that drowned. Unfortunately, their family members made a decision to enter the water. Again, the fact that we didn't have anything else to that magnitude shows that the people really respected the rule that was in place," said Botti.

Officials say also say the closures can protect law enforcement from having to put their lives in danger.

"Anytime our deputies and our rescue teams have to go out into the water to rescue someone, they face the same risks that anyone who goes into the water face," said Ashley Ritchie with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.

Meanwhile, the county parks along the Kings and San Joaquin rivers remain closed.

"I also would caution if you don't have an access point that is on a public domain or you have permission from a property owner, keep in mind most of the area along the Kings River is private land," said Nate Ferrier with Kings County Sheriff's Office.

Officials say still make sure you are wearing a life vest and staying safe while in the water.

"We just encourage people still treat the river like a dangerous waterway because it is," said Botti.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office says some deputies will be shifted to the Kings River to help with safety.

They say as of right now, there is no plan to close the river again as conditions are only expected to get better.

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