Law enforcement agencies from around the region are teaming up on a two-day crackdown along the American and Sacramento Rivers near Discovery Park.The enforcement effort known as the Delta Blitz is coordinated by the U.S, Coast Guard and involves 10 different law enforcement agencies.

The main goal of the crackdown is education.

Officers target boaters for a variety of safety violations such as speeding, boating under the influence, lacking enough life vests, and lacking registration.The crackdown in Sacramento is the last of three Delta Blitz crackdowns the Coast Guard operates throughout the Delta.In June, officers ran a similar operation in San Joaquin County.

They also ran a Delta Blitz in Contra Costa County in July.Since the Coast Guard began the operation in 2008, a spokesman for the department estimates the number of citations being written by officers has decreased by one-third.

In Yolo County, officers estimate they have written nearly 80 percent fewer citations for boating under the influence than in previous years.”I’d like to think we can attribute it to our enforcement.

We’ve taken a proactive step at reducing the alcohol related incidents. People know we are going to be out here, and we are going to be doing enforcement,” said Deputy Rial Price, with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department.

Boaters on the water Saturday said they have noticed more officers on the water in recent years.

More at KCRA.com >>>

Because a life jacket that does not fit properly can put a person at risk of drowning, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has a few tips when choosing a life jacket.

• Choose only a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and the correct size for the weight of the person. The U.S.C.G. stamp of approval, size, whether it is for a child or an adult, and appropriate weight of the wearer should be listed inside the jacket. A person’s chest size and stomach size may come into play when selecting the right life jacket.

• Use the “touchdown” test to see if your life jacket fits properly: Lift your arms above your head as if signaling a touchdown. The chest portion of the jacket should not touch your chin when you look left, right or over your shoulder. If the jacket passes this test, it most likely fits. If possible, try it in shallow water. The life jacket should not ride up on your body. However, ride-up may happen if your stomach is larger than your chest.

• Weigh a child and measure for chest size under the arms before shopping for a child’s life jacket. A properly fitting jacket should be snug but not tight.

• Check for proper fit of a life jacket on a child. Wearing the jacket, the child should stand normally with arms at his or her sides. Grab the jacket at the shoulders and firmly lift. The jacket does not fit if it moves more than three inches up and down the child’s body during the test.

• Ensure a life jacket for an infant or child has a crotch strap to help keep the life jacket on, an oversized float collar to help keep the head out of the water and a grab loop for easier water rescue. All straps should be intact and fastened at all times.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard.

More at SacBee.com >>>

The scene on the American River today bore striking similarities to the “Rafting Gone Wild” event of two weeks ago. There were questionable decisions, illegal activities and plenty of booze. What was different? The complete lack of law enforcement.

“I’m an excellent swimmer and all of my friends are, but you might need a couple of them in case for the dumb-dumbs,” said rafter Ian Gilman.

After re-arranging the schedules of already bare bones police and fire agencies, departments said they wouldn’t do the same for this latest Facebook generated event — despite 5,000 people who RSVP’d “yes” to a day of drinking and rafting and 60 swift water river rescues last go round.

At American River Raft Rentals, the influx of customers was steady, but not record-breaking. Missing from the river were the hoards of people, replaced by a more laid-back fun loving atmosphere.

More at FOX40.com >>>