Officials Urge Safety on American River

Sacramento County officials on Thursday urged visitors to the American River this summer to enjoy the river but be safe.

Officials with the Sacramento Metro Fire Department and other county agencies spoke about the importance of river safety in the Sunrise Recreation Area near Fair Oaks and Rancho Cordova.

"We'll have a very busy summer season," said Janet Baker, the regional parks department director. "We want everyone to enjoy the river but do it as safely as possible."

The American River is used by about 8 million visitors each year, said Dianna Poggetto of the American River Parkway Foundation. The law mandates that all children under the age of 13 wear a life jacket in or around waterways. 

The ARPF and GenCorp Foundation have partnered to purchase and maintain the “Kids Don’t Float” free life jacket loaner program for children at five spots along the American River Parkway including Sunrise and Ancil Hoffman and two areas at the Discovery Park, said Sac. Metro Fire Asst. Chief Scott Cockrum. The GenCorps Foundation donated $10,800 to purchase 2,000 life jackets.

"Based on the runoff we're seeing, it's going to be a dangerous year," Cockrum said, adding later that Sac Metro Fire officials receive about 20 calls for water rescues each summer. "This program will help prevent some drownings."

The majority of drownings Cockrum said he sees are children without life jackets and intoxicated individuals. More incidents occur at locations fire officials call Clay Banks, Suicide Bend and the San Juan Rapids.

Folsom resident Shelley Domine, who was out at the Sunrise Recreation Area on Thursday with her daughters Audrey and Ella, 2, said she appreciates the county's efforts.

"Because of the current, putting life jackets on as often as we can is important," Domine said. "I think (the life jacket program) is great."

Throughout the Memorial Day weekend, alcohol consumption and possession of open containers will be prohibited on the shore and river within the parkway between Watt and Hazel Avenues on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Parking fees will be increased at county parks from $5 to $8 per vehicle, $10 to $13 for vehicles towing watercraft.