A dangerous mix of heat and water recreation ahead. Stanislaus EMS agencies are ready
Emergency services agencies hope to limit the need for rescue operations during the holiday heatwave, as people from around the region seek cooler places to recreate.
Emergency responders are getting ready for an increase in water rescues and calls for assistance on rivers and lakes in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and Sierra mountain region.
“With the increase in people using the rivers, there’s a whole gamut of concerns we will be dealing with,” said Deputy Chief Darin Jesberg of Modesto Fire Department, which coordinates fire service response in much of Stanislaus County.
The county Sheriff’s Department will have resources at Woodward Reservoir outside Oakdale and Modesto Reservoir including rescue boats, sheriff’s deputies, community service officers and training officers.
Authorities have expected 40,000 people at Woodward Reservoir. Reserved campsites at Woodward and Modesto reservoirs were full going into the three-day weekend.
Sgt. Luke Schwartz, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Department, suggested that people arrive early for day use recreation and expect large crowds.
“We want to remind people it will be extremely hot, seek out shade, stay hydrated and keep track of their children,” Schwartz said.
Authorities encourage people to enjoy their outings with temperatures forecast for 102 on Saturday, 104 on Sunday and 107 on Monday. But people are advised to watch how much alcohol they drink, swim with a buddy, wear life jackets, drink plenty of water and spend more time in the shade.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation advised people to stay safe this weekend by avoiding strenuous activities during the heat wave. The state agency said it’s better to plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day. Protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
The department urged anyone riding in a boat, regardless of age, to wear a life jacket. A California law makes it mandatory for children under 13 years old.
Jesberg said people will come from outside the Stanislaus region for water recreation and may not be familiar with local rivers or lakes. The hot weather puts an emphasis on water safety, good hydration and not over-exerting yourself.
People should follow the standard advice such as knowing how to swim and wearing a life jacket when rafting or kayaking.
Jesberg added that people using a raft, inner tube or another flotation device should make sure they are rated for outdoor use. He advised river rafters to let someone know where they are starting and where they are getting out, so rescue boats know where to search if someone is missing.
Warnings are issued
With the holiday heatwave, agencies are also concerned about popular swimming holes known for dangerous conditions that trigger rescue operations.
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department issued a warning about Candy Rock on the Stanislaus River. The access is a rough dirt road to a parking lot and then a 1 1/2-mile hike and steep quarter-mile descent to the swimming area. The warning said there are water hazards and some people are not prepared for the brutal hike out of the canyon, which may be blistering hot this weekend.
The sheriff’s office said six people have been rescued from the site the last two weeks, and injuries and deaths have occurred in the past.
Jesberg said there are also areas on the Stanislaus River below Goodwin Dam with a steep hike down to the waterway and a return walk that could be exhausting in the heat. “People underestimate the hike out, get tired and dehydrated and have medical issues,” Jesberg said.
To prepare for the Labor Day weekend, Modesto fire donated 150 life jackets to the Army Corps of Engineers for loaner stations at Knights Ferry and other parks on the Stanislaus River.
Life jackets (for a child, youth or adult) can be borrowed for a day or weekend at the Main Street fire station in Knights Ferry; fire stations at 450 S. Willowood and 325 E. G St. in Oakdale; and Modesto stations at 610 11th St., 420 Chicago Ave., 200 W. Briggsmore Ave. and 148 Imperial Ave.
Return the life jackets to the same station any day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
