NORTH SAN JUAN, Calif. May 22, 2017 – As people are flocking to the river, North San Juan Fire wants to remind everyone the river is still running high, is very cold and will remain dangerous in the foreseeable future. We want our community to remind friends, family and river-goers of the importance of life jackets and the real danger that the river poses.
Case in point: On May 21 around 5 pm, North San Juan and Penn Valley firefighters responded to a river rescue at Bridgeport. Two ten-year old girls were floating on a raft with their father when the girls fell into the river and were pulled downstream underneath the Bridgeport Bridge. Eyewitnesses said the girls used their own power to make it to the beach nearest the parking lot on river left, which is the left side of the river when looking downstream. State Park rangers did not make contact with the girls and eyewitnesses said the father reached them and left before North San Juan and Penn Valley firefighters could make contact.
Free life jackets
The river is rushing high and cold after the record-setting precipitation received this winter and spring. Life jackets are a must – especially for children – to prevent drowning.
You can get your child sized and fitted for a life jacket at the North San Juan Fire booth during the Cherry Festival in downtown North San Juan at 10am on June 24th. These life jackets are FREE so come get yours at the NSJ Fire booth.
Help us help you prevent tragedy and enjoy the river safely.