Under the proposed law, kids under 13 won’t be able to swim in local rivers…in the unincorporated area of Sacramento…unless their wearing life preservers. 

Sacramento County’s Assistant Coroner Ed Smith expects to see a drop in drowning deaths if the ordinance is adopted. 

"I’m hopeful. I think there are a number of people out there who, if it becomes a law, they’ll be more apt to adhere to the law. And it’ll be worth it in the long run because we’ve already had some drownings this year already during the hot, hot weather. So it’s important." 

Last month, an 11-year-old girl and a 20-year old man drowned in Sacramento County rivers. 

The maximum penalty under the ordinance would be a fine of $500 or six months in jail…or both.