June 22, 2017 – The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), Nevada County, State Parks and a host of additional government agencies and public safety officials, are coming together at the Highway 49 Bridge, at the South Yuba River State Park, to hold a press conference about the deadly river conditions this region is experiencing this summer.
Tomorrow’s press conference comes after a series of tragic deaths in the Yuba River and a need for a united public message that clearly communicates the risks swimmers face. Our record snowpack is melting — making the river run cold, strong, and fast. Already 17 people have drowned this summer season in rivers across the state. Three have drowned on the Yuba. People need to stay safe by practicing good judgement and staying out of the water.
What: Press Conference to Broadcast Public Safety Message for Yuba River Visitors
When: Friday, June 23, 2017 at 10 am.
Where: South Yuba River State Park, pedestrian bridge at the Highway 49 crossing (Directions from Nevada City)
Speakers: South Yuba River Citizens League Executive Director, Caleb Dardick; Assemblyman Brian Dahle’s Principal Assistant and Legislative Director, Cheri West; Nevada County Board of Supervisor, Heidi Hall; California State Parks; Nevada County Sherriff’s Office; North San Juan Fire; Nevada County Consolidated Fire Battalion Chief, Jim Smith; PG&E; Tahoe National Forest Yuba River District Ranger, Karen Hayden; Nevada County Search & Rescue Coordinator, Sergeant Michael Sullivan
Background: Too many people have lost their lives this season to the Yuba. Visitors are not used to the river being this cold and intense. With this heatwave persisting, it is urgent to drive home the public safety message that it’s too dangerous to swim in the Yuba. The North, Middle and South Yuba Rivers cover dozens of miles of recreational opportunities. This community does not have enough public safety personnel to monitor this highly dangerous situation.
I wish I’d had the opportunity to join this gathering and discussion. Since Yubanet goes out there to a lot of folks, I would like to add a comment. I live on Jones Bar Ridge on the Yuba River Canyon between The Bridge at Hwy 49 and Bridgeport down river from me. An outlook, really. I view straight up the Yuba Canyon east, including Washington Ridge, and out to Donner Summit. I have lived here 29 years. I’ve had Kayakers trek up to my property bashed and lost. Spring and early summers with endless helicopters searching for the lost. It hasn’t really stopped since Memorial Day weekend this year when they were up and down the canyon all three days.
Pascale said this morning five souls has been lost to the current conditions so far this season and with heat and relief of water recreation, it is critical to inform people. Stop them.
Go to Scott’s Flat, okay? Anyone one approaching the Yuba or Bear Rivers with intent to have fun in the water should be told of the loss of life risks and realities. Don’t do it. Please tell others.