By Runa Lemminn
News Editor
With 2017 on target to be the most deadly year for drownings in the Kern River, people who are looking for a place to swim are advised to look somewhere else.
According to the Bakersfield Californian, there has been 13 drownings this year.
Bakersfield’s Hart Park has a new electronic sign at the west entrance, warning visitors of the dangers of swimming in the Kern River.
The Kern River has many rapids, however, the river can also look calm in some places.
A calm-looking stretch of water in the Kern River is misleading, because very strong currents often are just inches below the surface.
According to Bakersfield Fire Department Public Information Officer John Frando, “The river is more powerful than most people think.”
Often the individuals who get in trouble are the ones who go in thinking they can handle it, since they see themselves as strong swimmers. But they can get caught in the current, and trapped against debris and rocks underwater.
“People don’t realize the dynamics of the river, how strong the current actually is, until they’re in the water,” said Frando.
According to Frando, the boulders, rocks and trees below the river’s surface act as strainers, which water can get through, but a human body will be caught against them.
The Bakersfield Fire Department has been working on educating the public with the Stay Dry, Don’t Die campaign.
CSU Bakersfield freshman and nursing major Vivika Guevara said she is informed of the dangers of the river.
“I’ve heard a lot that it’s fast and people have actually been killed. Every time we pass it, I see families and hopefully they stay safe and don’t get too (far) in the water,” said Guevara.
Junior and engineering major Lucio Casimiro said that it makes sense that the Kern River is dangerous.
“I’d rather go to a pool, but if you go to a river, you have to understand there’s a current. If there’s a current it makes swimming much, much harder,” said Casimero.
The Bakersfield Fire Department’s public service announcement can be viewed at:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B49mPPSOoz4EOG9iaVlvdzhWN0U
