We hear it every year about this time: be careful around local waterways. This year firefighters are urging extra caution. That’s because low river levels present new challenges for firefighters when it comes to rescues.

Narrow choke points along the American River are good examples of how maneuverability becomes limited as river levels drop, and firefighters say the problem will only get worse as the summer continues.

The water may look calm now, but just a few weeks ago parts of the American River were half as deep. The drought continues to shift water levels. That can also mean shifting debris – known as strainers – that threaten to snag rafters. Firefighters use boats to get to people in danger, but when river depths can drop to six inches or less, there are some places that fire boats can’t reach, so they’ll have to use different access points that can slow a rescue attempt. That’s why firefighters warn rivergoers against thinking that shallow water is safer water this summer.

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