Rivers a hazard with cold, fast water

Staff Reports

Two adults and three children were rescued from the Walker River south of Walker on Sunday.

According to the Mono County Sheriff's Office, the group tried to kayak in the river and became stranded on the eastern bank of the river. One of the females had a broken leg and had to be airlifted to safety.

Emergency Services Coordinator Sgt. David O'Hara said rising temperatures are causing river and stream flows to increase throughout the county. Water temperatures in the upper 40s and 50s can cause hypothermia in a few minutes.

"Citizens planning any activities near rivers, streams and lakes should be aware of the dangers caused by the cold fast, morning water," O'Hara said. "We encourage everyone to stay out of local rivers and streams until conditions improve."

According to the National Weather Service, water temperatures are expected to remain cold until mid-June.

Hypothermia is a rapid drop in body temperature caused by exposure to cold water.

Symptoms of hypothermia include slurred speech, fatigue, slow breathing and severe shivering.

Fast turbulent river flows can sweep children and adults off their feet and push them quickly downstream. Peak flows on area rivers and streams are expected to occur near or just after the Memorial Day weekend.

with high flows expected to continue well Into June.