News Release:
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USDA Forest Service
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Eureka, August 26, 2004
Six Rivers National Forest Supervisor Jeff Walter reminds forest visitors to be careful while recreating on forest lakes and rivers this Labor Day weekend, especially if they are on the Trinity River. “Recent increased instream flows from Lewiston Dam into the Trinity River for fisheries have resulted in higher water levels, swifter currents, colder water and submerged hazards,” said Walter. These higher than normal flows for the Trinity River began August 23 and will gradually ramp back down by September 13. “The flow on the Trinity over the holiday weekend will be about three times higher than it was in early August,” continued Walter.
“We want people to have fun while recreating on and around the river, but do so in a safe manner,” continued Walter. Outdoor recreation has inherent risks by its very nature and recreationists should educate themselves about local safety hazards and proper safety measures and equipment. An important factor in safety is to use appropriate safety equipment and procedures for an activity or sport.
Some safety principles to keep in mind:
- River currents can be dangerous and may be stronger than they look. If you find yourself caught in a current, float on your back, feet downstream until the current weakens and you can swim to shore.
- Jumping or falling into cold water, because of the initial shock and rapid heat loss that follows, is especially dangerous and can lead to hypothermia.
- For anglers wearing waders, a belt should be secured around the top of the waders to prevent water from filling up the boots of a person who should accidentally fall or slip into the water or is caught by swift currents.
- Wear a life jacket for all river activities.
- Keep a close watch on children even if they are far from the water. They can quickly enter the water and get in trouble when your attention is diverted for only a moment. Children should always wear a life jacket when on or around the water.
- Don’t go in the water after someone in trouble. Rescue from shore and get help.
- High river levels and strong flows can often create new river hazards, such as submerged logs (strainers); boulder movement can also change river hydraulics.
- Any time a person comes to a national forest for recreation, it is recommended they inform a responsible person of their location and planned return time.
“I encourage people to contact River Manager Bob Hemus at 530-627-3291 or the nearest Forest Service office closest to where they’ll be recreating to find out the latest river conditions and any other safety information pertinent to their visit,” said Walter. “Local river outfitters and guides are also good sources of information concerning river conditions since they are on local rivers almost daily,” continued Walter.
The Water Safety Coalition of Northwest California also provides more information on water safety at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sixrivers/recreation/water-safety.
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