SACRAMENTO —
It was a day for boating and bikinis at Discovery Park.
Some came to relax by the water. Others, for fishing and thrill seeking.
But earlier in the day, emergency crews were out here rescuing a young man.
“This is a hotbed for drownings,” said Roberto Padilla with the Sacramento Fire Department.
Drownings are not rare in this area, according to Sac Fire.
“We unfortunately have a lot of these type of stories here. This is a good reminder of how quick accidents happen,” Padilla said.
Fire officials say a 20-year-old man was submerged under water for almost forty minutes.
He was taken to UC Davis Medical Center in critical condition.
“If I was actually to go out on the river I would wear a life vest,” said park visitor Brandon Mincey.
Everyone is urged to wear a life vest on the river. It’s required for children under the age of thirteen.
Currents, mixed with cold water, mean more danger in the river.
Sac Fire says although water levels are low, it’s still not safe to swim.
“I lost a friend in high school actually. He drowned in this river trying to swim without a life vest,” said visitor Olivia Turner.
Take it from her. That warm weather fun can quickly turn to tragedy if you don’t use caution.
“Know your limits when you’re out here. Don’t take off thinking you’re better than the water, because obviously water wins,” Turner said.
