SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The spring snow melt has prompted a warning from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) urging outdoor recreationists to take precautions against cold and swift currents before entering the water.

The utility and state agency cautioned that snowpacks are slightly above normal for this time of year. As warmer weather and longer days begins to melt snow in mountainous regions of the state, water temperatures will continue to drop and flows will continue to rise in waterways and reservoirs.

“Those planning outings near mountain streams, rivers, reservoirs and canals need to be extra vigilant and take appropriate safety measures,” said Alvin Thoma, director of PG&E’s power generation department. “Water flows will fluctuate with the warming and cooling of the day so always be prepared for a change in conditions.”

“Snow melt and resulting swift and cold river flows can create treacherous conditions for all recreationists – waders, swimmers, paddlers, boaters, anglers and even hikers cooling off at the water’s edge,” said DBW’s Interim Director Lucia C. Becerra. “Stay safe by wearing a life jacket, avoiding alcohol and being aware of the current.”

Lakes and ponds are very attractive on warm spring days but are also cold. Rafters, kayakers, and canoeists should beware of fast river flows and cold water, and should exercise extreme caution by checking local conditions before undertaking their trip. Parents should also exercise caution with young children playing in or near the water.

Here are some safety tips:

Know the water

• Sudden immersion in ice-cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When combined with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.

• Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This may confuse swimmers, causing them to venture deeper into the water.

Know your limits

• Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool – people tire more quickly and can get into trouble.

• Cold water causes impairment leading to fatalities. It reduces body heat 25-30 times faster than air does at the same temperature.

• Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the waters surface. Swift water can make these obstacles even more treacherous.

Wear a life jacket

• Conditions change quickly in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when boating or swimming. Wearing a life jacket can increase survival time.

• A life jacket can provide some thermal protection against the onset of hypothermia and keep you stay afloat until someone else can rescue you.

Know the law

• A new boating law states that children under age 13 must wear a life jacket when on a vessel that is 26 feet or less in length.

• Every person on board a personal watercraft (popularly known as “jet skis”) and any person being towed behind a vessel must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

• No person should ever operate any vessel or water ski or under the influence of drugs or with an alcohol level of .08 percent or more.

SAN FRANCISCO – Personal stories last year of Senator Kennedy and American Idol winner David Cook’s brother have been heard around the nation. It’s time to give a voice to the people in your community who have lost a loved one and need help today.

The Bay Area unites to fight brain tumors on Saturday, May 1.

Over 2,500 will gather for a 5K walk through scenic Golden Gate Park to raise awareness and essential funds at the National Brain Tumor Society’s Bay Area Brain Tumor Walk (www.BayAreaWalk.org).

In 1995, a motivated brain tumor survivor named Chris Kuchera Hemker organized a small fundraising event on Angel Island. The event was simply called The Angel Island Adventure.

Although Chris succumbed to complications from her tumor in 1996, her vision and passion to help find a cure for brain tumors live on.

Now called Brain Tumor Walk, the event has grown into a far-reaching national program taking place in eight cities around the country.

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Brain Tumor Walk. Last year, participants helped to raise over $730,000 to fund innovative research for brain tumor treatments and support services for brain tumor patients and their families.

Each year, more than 210,000 adults and children in the United States are diagnosed with a brain tumor. Brain tumors are the leading cause of solid tumor cancer death in children under age 20 and the second leading cause of cancer death in young adults age 20 to 39.

“The Bay Area Brain Tumor Walk is a chance for the entire community to come together and support the fight against brain tumors,” said N. Paul TonThat, executive director of National Brain Tumor Society. “Donations from the Brain Tumor Walk enable us to fund innovative research and support for those already coping with a brain tumor diagnosis. The Walk also raises awareness that brain tumors can strike anyone, and there is still no cure.”

Activities include an opening program, followed by a 5K walk through beautiful and scenic Golden Gate Park, an escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Families, friends, and co-workers will rally together to participate in this fundraising walk and community day including food, music, prizes, and more. Proceeds support research and patient services at the National Brain Tumor Society.

National Brain Tumor Society is a nonprofit organization inspiring hope and providing leadership within the brain tumor community. The group exists to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by brain tumors. They fund strategic research, deliver support services, and promote collaboration. In 2009, NBTS funded more than $3.5 million to brain tumor research across North America.

Learn about their latest advocacy efforts, comprehensive online community, targeted adult and pediatric brain tumor research programs, and more at www.braintumor.org.

LAKEPORT – The American Cancer Society's Lake County Relay for Life group will hold a meeting this Thursday, April 29.

The meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Umpqua Bank on 11th Street in Lakeport.

Team captains, please attend.