FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KMPH) -
People drowning in our local rivers -- it's become a common occurrence each summer.
The hazardous conditions of the San Joaquin River caught first time visitor, Sue Kalpakoss by surprise.
Sue Kalpakoss says, "I was telling them to stay away from that, it scares me I don't care how old he thinks he is, or how good a swimmer he thinks he is...too many people have died because of it."
On Father's Day, a 48-year-old man drowned near the Skaggs Bridge.
Deputies attempted CPR and revived him, but he died after he was flown to the hospital.
The consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures makes the temperature of the water inviting, but it's when you get out in the middle of the river where it's dangerous, the strong current and the debris under the waterline.
Some kids found an old tire; debris like that prevented Sandra Bass from letting her kids get in.
Sandra Bass says, "It's best to be right here in the lower water."
Here are some other things to look out for, the more shallow or narrow a river bed is, the faster the water must flow through it.
It's good idea to throw a stick in the water to judge how fast it's moving.
When the snow melt is going on, tree branches, sticks and other potentially hazardous things could be floating in the water.
Most importantly, if you feel uncomfortable in a specific area, trust your instincts and move to a better location.
