Paige Burlison
Cautionary sign along the Trinity River
The calendar marks the late spring months in Humboldt County, and the sun has finally broken through the cloud cover. High school students start their treks down rocky trails, imagining their first swims in the river since last summer. However, during the spring, fast-moving water and freezing snowmelt can quickly turn a fun afternoon into a disaster. According to the Child Safety Network, “For children and adolescents ages 5-19, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths.”
English teacher Gabriella Emerick works summers as a whitewater kayak instructor on the Rogue River, Oregon.
In Humboldt’s spring and winter months, our rivers become higher risk. “When we’re seeing a lot of precipitation, and precipitation that causes snow melt, increasing the river flow, [it] means that we’re going to see some flooding […] and just really high amounts of water,” Emerick said.
Before planning a trip to the river, be sure you’re prepared.
The American Red Cross advises you to keep in mind your limitations, including physical fitness and medical conditions. You should also bring a buddy, never enter the water if you are alone, swim sober, and know your surroundings. This includes the currents, temperature, and underwater hazards of the area you plan to swim in.
“Are there lots of downed trees? Are there bridges? [Knowing] what’s around you is huge,” Emerick said. “If you know that you’re going somewhere where there are swift currents, and it’s deep, you might want to have a personal flotation device or a life jacket […] so if you do find yourself in a situation, you can swim to safety.”
Additionally, here are a few things to remember in a potentially life-threatening situation:
“If you ever do find yourself in the river being swept away by the current, whatever you do, do not stand up in that current. Your feet or legs could get entrapped in the river bed and push you down. It’s really easy to avoid that scary scenario just by swimming to get to safety,” Emerick said.
Instead of panicking, swim towards the shore in a “ferry angle”. The Chilliwack Search and Rescue organization describes this method as using “the current to push you to the shore. This is typically a 45-degree angle to the current. If you’re on your back, get into a ferry angle with your feet up and your head pointed towards the shore you want to go to.” Continue this way until reaching shallow or calm water.
“In a normal year for our area, maybe the middle of June or July would be a good time [to start swimming in our rivers],” Emerick said. “The water temperature will start to warm up, and the flows will come down.”
As you start planning your trips to the river, have fun and remember to stay safe. Be responsible, and follow recommended signs!