Water flows on the American River are about half what they are normally for Memorial Day Weekend, but rafters and children 12 and younger are still required to wear life jackets.
Sacramento County Park Ranger Randy Lewis says the county is renewing its free lifejacket program at parks along the river.
"The water's still cold. It's about 58 degrees," says Lewis. "So, even though it's gonna be 98 degrees, 100 degrees this weekend, that water's gonna be cold, and if you're not being attentive, it doesn't take much for someone to go into hypothermia."
Life jackets will be located near the water at stations marked with "Kids Don't Float" signs.
Lewis says if you're rafting, you should take water flows into consideration when planning a day on the water.
Parks will close shortly after sunset and you will not be able to get a pickup vehicle out of the park if the gates are locked.
Some fire stations with the Sacramento Fire Department also have life jackets available on a loan basis:
- Station 1 - 624 Q Street
- Station 5 - 731 Broadway
- Station 8 - 5990 H Street
- Station 11 - 785 Florin Road
- Station 15 - 1591 Newborough Drive
- Station 60 - 3301 Julliard Drive
Hypothermia is a hidden danger for #MemorialDay water fun. Watch for shivering, numbness & mental sluggishness #cawx pic.twitter.com/WHI7w0oDe6
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) May 23, 2014
The American River boat ramp at Watt Avenue Thursday evening. (Al Gibes / Capital Public Radio)
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