With the arrival of midspring, rivers and streams are experiencing higher and colder water flows due to snowmelt, says Pacific Gas and Electric Co. The utility says outdoor enthusiasts must exercise caution as these conditions can be extremely dangerous, with cold, swiftly moving water posing significant risks.
PG&E urges those who venture near rivers and streams to take extra precautions, especially around hydroelectric facilities and dams, where flow conditions can change rapidly. Swimming in cold, swift water is not recommended.
“The melting snowpack is creating cold, higher flows,” said Dave Gabbard, PG&E vice president of power generation. “We encourage everyone recreating in or near water to be situationally aware and have a plan to quickly and safely escape in case of changing water flows and cold temperatures.”
Most California rivers are fed by snowmelt, making them cold even in summer. Simple actions — such as recognizing if the water is too cold or swift, knowing personal limits, wearing a life jacket and simply not entering unsafe water — can save lives, said PG&E. The utility offers the following safety tips.
Know the risks
The dangers of cold water include the following considerations:
- Prevention is the best way to save a person from drowning. By the time a person is struggling in the water, a rescue is extremely unlikely and places the rescuer at risk.
- Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers can be easily overwhelmed.
- Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This can confuse swimmers, potentially causing them to venture deeper into the water.
- Cold water also reduces body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air does at the same temperature and causes impairment that can be fatal.
Learn self-rescue techniques
For those who do fall into water, here are some survival tips:
- Don’t panic. Try to control breathing; don’t gasp. A sudden, unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. It takes less than one-half cup of water in a person’s lungs to drown. Those who remain calm have a greater chance of self-rescue.
- Those near a boat should stay with it. It will help a victim stay afloat and will be seen more easily by rescuers. If it’s capsized and a portion of the craft is above water, try to climb on top.
- Stay afloat with the help of a life jacket, regain control of breathing and keep the head above water in view of rescuers.
- If possible, remove heavy shoes. Look for ways to increase buoyancy such as by holding onto seat cushions or an ice chest.
- Those in the water with others should huddle together facing each other to help everyone stay afloat and keep warm.
- Those who fall into a river without a life jacket should keep their feet pointed downstream and turn onto their back.
- Those who fall into the water with waders on should roll onto the shore and be sure to wear a belt with waders.
Know personal limits
It’s essential to understand personal limits around rivers and streams:
- Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool. People tire more quickly and can get into trouble.
- Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface. This is especially the case during spring and early summer snowmelt. Rising water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are recommended.
- Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Conditions change quickly in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when boating or swimming.
- Caregivers should actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them undivided attention. Do not assume that someone is watching them. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
- Use the buddy system and never swim alone.
PG&E’s hydropower system is built along 11 river basins stretching about 400 miles. The system uses water from more than 100 reservoirs, mostly located in higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. PG&E’s 61 powerhouses produce about 3,800 megawatts of power.