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.
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