Placer agencies ramp up river presence for holiday weekend

As temperatures continue to hit triple digits and more people are expected to recreate outdoors for the holiday weekend, Placer County public safety agencies are ramping up their presence along the American River. The Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed from Wednesday through Sunday, July 7, its swift water rescue Dive Team along with CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire's Technical Rescue Team, State Parks lifeguards and the Falcon 30 helicopter will be stationed at the Confluence and along the river during peak visitor times. "Swift response times during water rescues are critical and can mean the difference between life and death," the Sheriff's Office said Wednesday on Facebook. "We're proactively positioning these resources ahead of the anticipated surge in visitors." The Sheriff's Office also confirmed personnel will be educating the public about river safety. Placer County launched its Be River Wise campaign in April 2023 to inform the public of the river's dynamics and how to safely recreate. The Sheriff's Office shared the following tips on how to be River Wise: Choose safety - Opt for a local rafting company if you are not an experienced rafter or kayaker. Know the risks - Water from melted snow is cold and can cause hypothermia, even when temperatures exceed 100 degrees. Be cautious - Hidden dangers can lurk beneath the water surface even if it appears calm. Other safety tips can be found at BeRiverWise.org.