Kern River Safety

Did You Know?

Water-related accidents are among the most common cause of death in some of our nation’s most visited parks, forests and waterways. Many drowning victims were not trying to swim but were simply engaging in activities as innocent as wading, taking photos or playing along the stream bank. Those victims attempting to swim in swift waters overestimated their swimming ability and underestimated river currents. None of these drowning victims suspected that tragedy was about to overwhelm them.

See the Kern River Conservancy's River Safety Video Here

Think Twice

Think twice before you head to rivers and lakes to seek relief from the heat. The Kern River is fed by melting snow over the high Sierra which makes it dangerously cold. Additionally, the river has swift undercurrents which can carry even an experienced swimmer quickly downstream and into trees and other vegetation along the banks of the river. Don’t be the next victim of drowning or a water rescue!

Be Aware of Hazards

Be cautious anytime you or your family are near rivers and streams. Consider these precautions as spring snow melts and rivers and streams rise. Also be cautious when waters appear warm or slow moving, but actually have strong and sometimes dangerous currents below the surface.

Water Temperature: Air temperatures may feel hot and the water may feel or appear warm, but temperatures can be extremely cold below the surface. Hypothermia can quickly set in and overwhelm even the strongest of swimmers, becoming too weak to escape.
Currents: In as little as six inches, water that may look calm on the surface and slow-moving can have enough force to knock you off your feet and sweep you downstream. Even a slow current can take you where you don't want to go, towards hazards, and leave strong swimmers unable to reach the shore.
Water Hazards: A slippery and uneven river bottom combined with the stream’s current can suddenly sweep you off your feet. Debris and underwater features such as trees, branches and logs, and even narrow gaps between rocks can trap you under water, causing hypothermia or even death.

Water Safety is Your Responsibility

Anytime you're recreating in and around water -- especially with children, be aware of your surroundings.

Slippery rocks, an unstable shoreline or even a distraction that takes your focus away from the water, can cause an accident -- quickly and quietly.
Check river and stream conditions before heading out on your adventure and always let someone know where you are going and when you will return. River and stream condition information may be found at visitor centers, ranger stations and from weather alerts.
Inquire about swimming regulations. At some recreation sites swimming is not recommended or may even be prohibited. Follow "No Swimming" signs.
Where allowed, choose swimming areas carefully. Often hazards are not visible in what may seem like a good place to swim or wade.
Wear a properly fitting personal floatation device (life jacket) for all river activities. Don’t assume you have the swimming skills to keep you afloat, even the strongest swimmers can drown.

When near rapids or other moving water, always stay on the established trails or developed areas.
Keep a close watch on children even if they are far from the water. Water safety for children is especially important as they can quickly enter the water and get in trouble when your attention is diverted for only a moment.
Never walk, play or climb on slippery rocks and logs near rivers and streams.
Never swim or wade upstream from a waterfall, even if the water appears shallow or calm.
Be cautious of sudden drop offs.
Diving can be extremely dangerous because you can collide with rocks and be knocked unconscious.

If You Fall In

If swept into the current float on your back with your feet up and facing downstream to avoid being entrapped by underwater obstacles such as rocks or tree branches or roots.

Stay away from the sides of the river until you see a safe place to exit clear of hazards such as tree limbs and rocks.
Swim diagonally across (head upstream) to the safe exit point.
If you can’t swim, call for help but don’t wear yourself out by screaming.
Stay calm and cooperate with the person trying to rescue you.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911 AND BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE:

Nature of the emergency
Location of the emergency

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature below 95F (35C). Normal body temperature is around 98.6F (37C). Hypothermia can be serious if not treated quickly. You should call 911 and give first aid if you notice signs of hypothermia.

Causes of Hypothermia

Hypothermia happens when your body gets too cold and your temperature drops below 95F (35C).

Hypothermia can be caused by:

Inadequate clothing in cold weather
Falling into or swimming in cold water
Getting cold in wet clothes
Being very tired and cold

Symptoms of Hypothermia

Early signs of hypothermia include:

Shivering
Cold and pale skin
Slurred speech
Fast breathing
Tiredness
Confusion

These are symptoms of mild hypothermia, where someone's body temperature is between 89.6F (32C) and 95F (35C). If their temperature drops to 89.6F (32C) or lower, they'll usually stop shivering completely and may pass out.

This is a sign that their condition is getting worse and emergency medical help is needed.

If you become hypothermic, or too cold, while in the river or lake you may become too weak to get out of the water and drown!

Hypothermia in Babies

Babies with hypothermia may look healthy, but their skin will feel cold. They may also be limp, unusually quiet and refuse to feed.

Treating Hypothermia

You should call 911 and then give first aid if you think someone's got hypothermia.

First Aid for Hypothermia

You need to warm the person up.

Follow these five steps:

Move them indoors.
Remove any wet clothing and dry them.
Wrap them in blankets or sleeping bag.
Give them a warm non-alcoholic drink, but only if they can swallow normally.
Give energy food that contains sugar, such as a chocolate bar, but only if they can swallow normally.

If the person can't be moved indoors, find something for them to rest on to protect them from the cold ground, like a towel, blanket or sleeping bag. If they don't appear to be breathing – and you know how to do it – give them CPR, but you must continue this until professional help arrives in the form of the ambulance service or a medical team.

Things to Avoid

Some things can make hypothermia worse:

Don't put the person into a hot bath.
Don't massage their limbs.
Don't use heating lamps.
Don't give them alcohol to drink.

These actions can cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest).

Who Is At Risk?

Some groups of people are more vulnerable to hypothermia.

They include:

Babies and children – they lose heat faster than adults
Older people who are inactive and don't eat well
Heavy alcohol and drug users – their bodies lose heat faster

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