U.S.

Forest Service
Pacific Southwest Region
Sequoia National Forest and
News Release
Giant Sequoia National Monument Contact:CindyThill
Kern River Ranger District 7603763781
105 Whitney Rd. cthill@fs.fed.us
Kernville, CA 93238
Web: www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia Date:April26,2017

DRAFT
Forest Service Meets with Local Emergency Response Agencies
Over Water Safety Issues

Kernville, Calif., April 26, 2017 The Kern River Ranger District (KRRD) of the Sequoia
National Forest met with several local emergency response agencies today to discuss the existing
potential for water rescue incidents this summer.
This season has seen a significant snow pack which has increased the volume in our waterways,
and most likely, an extended runoff period.
Those attending the meeting were representatives from the Tulare County Sheriffs Office, Kern
County Sheriffs Office, Tulare County Fire Department, Bureau of Land management, Kern
County Search and Rescue, Kern County Fire Department, Forest Service (KRRD), Mountain
River Adventures, Sierra South Mountain Sports, Outdoor Adventures, Whitewater Voyages,
Kern River Tours and California Land Management.
The group shared individual agency guidelines and protocols. Skills, abilities and training of
responding agencies were also discussed at length. Most groups involved vary to some degree on
actions that can be taken, safely. Open communication led us to increased understanding as far as
what to expect from each other when responding to anticipated water-based rescues.
Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux commented, "We welcome visitors to the beautiful Kern
River but we sincerely ask that you not underestimate the power of moving water. Always be
mindful of your surroundings and exercise sound judgment while enjoying our waterways. Our
office remains committed to doing everything we can to assure the safety of all visitors within
Tulare County."
Posters, news releases, radio spots (Spanish and English), life jacket campaign, increased
personal visitor contact, were a few of the water safety educational tools discussed during the
meeting.
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It is our goal for visitors to the Kern River Valley to make water safety a priority, commented Deputy
District Ranger Philip DeSenze. It's important to understand water safety in and around these
tempting waters. What can seem peaceful, warm and shallow can prove to be deceptively cold and
easily overwhelm even the strongest individuals.
Each year, unexpected victims, whether purposefully in the water (boating, swimming, wading or
crossing streams) or accidentally in the water (scrambling on rocks or even falling while hiking), find
themselves in a water rescue situation.

When near rapids or other moving water, always stay on the established trails or developed areas. Keep
a close watch on children even if they are far from the water. Water safety for children is especially
important as they can quickly enter the water and get in trouble when your attention is diverted for only
a moment.

Wear life jackets, near or by, a waterway. Never walk, play or climb on slippery rocks and logs near
rivers and streams.

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