Community Corner

How Do You Stay Safe on The American River?

Is river safety just a matter of using common sense?

It's a warm Tuesday afternoon along the Fair Oaks shore of the American River, where Josh West and Curtis Crothers are setting up what could be described as an inflatable floating island.

West has been floating the American River for years. Though he admits the river poses many dangers, it's not an issue that scares him away; it's an issue of understanding how to best prepare oneself.

"Leisure, friends and sunshine," West quipped. "It's the safest river I know of."

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along the American River mount nearly every year as rescues and fatalities fill local headlines and news broadcast segments. River rescues add up quickly. In 2011, .

For West, the issue seemed simple enough: Use common sense and exercise foresight.

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Yet, West was also quick to admit he's seen his fair share of river rescues, and he's aware of the inherent dangers the river presents.

"I keep ropes handy (pointing to a rope tied to a football on his raft), floating devices and wear the least amount of clothes possible," he said. "Look down river as often as possible and prepare for what's coming."

West and Crothers, like many college students now on vacation, will be taking to the American River as a way to stay cool this summer. And though the river was sparsely populated Tuesday afternoon, it's likely not to last.

Not far down that shoreline from West a trio of sunbathers explained why they keep their distance from the river water, and it's not just a safety concern.

"It doesn't seem very clean," said Sacramento local Angie Cavalari.

Cavalari's friend Lunden Almquist is aware of the river's inherent dangers and has heard many of the stories published about river rescues and fatalities, but can't quite figure out why these stories continue.

"It just seems like people don't use common sense," Almquist said. "People just don't learn; I don't understand it at all."

Sacramento Metro Fire District's Assistant Chief Walt White explained though the district will keep a focused watch on riverways, people are still responsible for their own safety.

"The river always has the potential to be dangerous," White said. "Although flows vary and high flows can increase the risk, the best thing rafters can do is wear a life vest, don’t go it alone, avoid alcohol consumption and make sure other are aware of where you are and have a way to be contacted or request help if needed."


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