To report a safety issue or notify a ranger, call the Ranger Dispatch office at 916 - 875-PARK (7275).

Tips for Staying Safe Around Public Waterways

• Wear a life jacket - Whether you are fishing, boating, swimming, or just floating, wear a properly fitting jacket. Read about the mandatory life preserver ordinance for children 13 and under in public waterways.
• The "Kids Don't Float" life preserver loaner program provides jackets for temporary use at the following points: Ancil Hoffman Park, Discover Park (two locations), Folsom Point, Howe Avenue, Negro Bar, Nimbus, Sunrise and Watt Avenue Park. They are also available at several Sacramento Metro Fire Stations.
• Learn how to swim - Even with life jackets, it is important to know how to swim
• Stay out of deep water - Riverbeds can drop off sharply. Stay close to shore to avoid drop-offs and currents
• Watch out for hazards - Murky river water can hide logs, sharp rocks or trash that can cut your feet. It is recommended that you wear shoes
• Don't follow your equipment downstream - Never risk your life to save equipment or belongings
• Stay with your boat - Stay with your capsized boat unless it is unsafe to do so and/or it becomes safe to swim
• Obey the signs - Read any signs you may see in the area before you enjoy any type of recreation
• Alcohol, drugs and water sports don't mix -
• Wear sunscreen - Spending all day at the river can give you a painful sunburn. Be sure to wear SPF 15 or better and reapply frequently
• Don't get too tired! - People, especially children, can make unsafe choices when they are too tired
• Never use rope swings or jump off bridges - No matter how deep the water is, these activities can result in serious injury or death
• Watch out for hypothermia - If you experience excessive shivering or fatigue, get out of the water at once
• Keep an eye on children - Never leave children unattended near water
• Respect the plant and animal inhabitants - Do not bother animals, and watch out for stinging insects and poison oak
• How to help someone in trouble - Yell "Help" to draw attention. Reach towards the person with a pole, branch or paddle, or throw out a life jacket or ice chest to help them stay afloat until they are able to get to shore or help arrives