FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Merced County officials are warning the public to stay out of the fast-moving water of the Merced River.
Late storms have brought significant snowpack and runoff to the central foothills and high flows are expected.
“With the warm weather rapidly approaching, a lot of people might think it’s a good idea to cool down in a river or canal,” said Merced County Fire Chief Nancy Koerperich. “However, these channels are not there for swimming or rafting. Their purpose is to carry high volumes of cold, fast-moving water downstream. We do not want any tragedies this year: Please stay safe and stay out of the River.”
While the Merced Fire Department is ready to rescue anyone who enters the water and runs into trouble, the victim can be held liable for the costs.
“Despite our efforts to warn people not to go in the river, they do it anyway—and often need to be rescued,” said Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke. “This is fast moving water that can put a lot of people in danger very quick. Anyone who enters the water and needs to be rescued can be held personally liable for the costs associated with that operation.”
Melting snow and future storm runoff will contribute to dangerously-fast currents along the waterway, and water flows are expected to remain high throughout the spring and into early summer.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
