As swimming weather arrives, local officials say they\u2019re hoping to avoid a repeat of last summer, when more than a dozen people drowned on the American and Sacramento rivers \u2013 twice the average yearly toll.<\/p>\n
Rescuers said the drought and dropping water levels opened up new sections of beach, luring some people farther out into river channels and toward sudden drop-offs, where strong currents swept them to their deaths.<\/p>\n
That was especially true at a small section of Tiscornia Beach, a popular swimming area at the confluence of the region\u2019s two big rivers.<\/p>\n
Now, after seasonal rains and water releases from Folsom Dam, the Sacramento and American rivers have surged, running deeper and faster than last year. That poses a threat, too, said John Mohamed, a training officer and team leader for the Drowning Accident Rescue Team, commonly called DART.<\/p>\n
More at SacBee.com<\/a> >>><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As swimming weather arrives, local officials say they\u2019re hoping to avoid a repeat of last summer, when more than a dozen people drowned on the American and Sacramento rivers \u2013 twice the average yearly toll. Rescuers said the drought and dropping water levels opened up new sections of beach, luring some people farther out into … Continue reading River rescuers prepare for busy season in Sacramento region<\/span>