Crews Scrambling To Keep Up With Record Water Rescues

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Emergency crews have already rescued more people from the American River than they normally do in an entire season, authorities said.

The Sacramento Metro Fire Department said 60 people have been pulled from the river in the past two weeks alone, thanks in part to the unusually high and fast currents and extremely cold water temperatures.

The Metro Fire Department launched Operation River Safe to patrol the water and search for rafters and swimmers who don't have adequate safety equipment, and Sacramento Sheriff's Marine Enforcement deputies kept a sharp eye out for drunk boaters on the water and other safety violations.

"Very strong currents and cold water and people get in trouble," said Fire Captain Mark Repetto. "Things happen very quickly in the moving water and before you know it, you're in trouble."

Deputies wrote tickets for overloaded boats and a lack of lifejackets while keeping a sharp eye out for intoxication.

"We're not here to spoil anyone's fun," said Deputy Marc Warren. "We're just here to make sure everyone is safe."

The heavy winter snowfall and late-season storms will likely contribute to keeping river conditions dangerous for quite some time, authorities said.