Press Release

Post-Fourth of July river crowds prompt safety reminder from James River experts



RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Fourth of July may be over, but with the summer heat still in full swing, crowds are continuing to flock to the James River to swim, tube and kayak.

While the river offers a scenic and refreshing escape, experts are urging the public to stay vigilant because a day of fun can quickly take a dangerous turn.

“Any good trip to the river starts before you leave the house,” said Josh Stutz, executive director of Friends of the James River Park. “With a lot of planning and prep work, you have to understand the river levels and know the weather conditions.”

Stutz said the river’s flow can be deceptive. Even if Richmond itself hasn’t seen rain in days, weather upstream — west of the city — can cause water levels to rise significantly and suddenly.

“It could be a situation where it hasn’t rained for a couple of weeks in Richmond, but the river will still be elevated,” he said.

That elevation brings heightened risk, especially for those less experienced on the water.

“Unless you have experience at this water level, it’s great for whitewater kayakers and rafters,” Stutz said. “But it’s not necessarily the water level that’s good for casual river users.”

He warned that the James River is not like a swimming pool. Beneath calm-looking stretches of water, sudden drop-offs, deep pits and strong currents can pose hidden dangers — sometimes tragically so.

“It’s not like a swimming pool… One section may be six inches to a foot deep, and other parts are six to ten feet,” he said. “There’s some holes and pits down there… That’s led to drownings in the past.”

Another common danger many people face on the James River is alcohol.

Not only is drinking alcohol on the river illegal, but it also significantly increases the risk of injury or drowning. In emergencies, others often pay the price.

“You’re not just risking yourself,” Stutz said. “You’re putting other people at risk… First responders have to come to rescue you. Other boaters might be impacted by your needing to be rescued. There’s a lot that can happen.”

To stay safe, experts recommend checking river conditions before heading out, always wearing a life jacket and avoiding alcohol on the water.

“Preparedness can make all the difference,” Stutz said.



Source link

WyomingDigitalNews