I nearly drowned on the American River. Here’s what I’d do differently | Opinion

Last week, on July 1, my partner and I decided to spend a relaxing day floating down the American River. We paddled into the river at Sailor Bar Park on two tubes connected together. Prior to our trip, I was told that this section of the river was calm. So, off we went — without life jackets.

Our first hint of trouble was the roar of the river and the sight of tiny white caps around one of the bends. We held our tubes together and laughed as we experienced a bouncy ride.

We spent hours floating and paddling out of eddies that pushed us toward shore. Floating on the river’s wide, flat surface just before the River Bend Park exit, the current began to pick up. Before we knew it, we had sailed past our exit as well as the next sand bar. We paddled hard to attempt to reach shore.

We rounded the bend on the left side of the river and were greeted by a large log in the middle of the river and a downed tree just beyond it. Paddling like mad, we did not have enough time to get to the right of the log, so we went left of it and attempted to navigate to avoid the tree. From there, things went downhill fast: One of the floats was caught in the strong current running toward shore. The tube was sucked under the tree, pulling the tube I was on with it.

My partner was taken by a strong current around the end of the tree, his tube punctured by branches. We were unable to untangle lines or reposition carabiners — we could do nothing but cling to tree branches and scream for help, surrounded by rushing water.

We are alive thanks to the people on the bank upriver who heard us and called for help; the people who came to our rescue and saved my partner before he lost his grip; and the team from Sacramento Fire Department Station 62 who came to our rescue.

Notably, we were not alone in our thinking that day: Approximately 75% of people on the river with us that day did not have life jackets, and 50% of people on the river were also on floats. Many people die in rivers and lakes every year, but many of these deaths are preventable.

For those of you thinking of being on the water this holiday:

• Always check the water flows. Many rivers are dam-controlled, which affects the amount of water flowing and changes the speed and nature of currents. You can find flow rates at the United States Geological Survey National Water Dashboard.
  
  
• Wear a life vest. This may be your only chance of keeping your head above water and saving your life.
• Strap your gear to a boat tightly with no loops, dangling lines or anything else that could possibly get tangled or entrapped.
• Do not underestimate the river. Although the surface may seem relatively calm, the water may have undercurrents and undertow. Rivers change, and you don’t know what may be around the next bend.

Nature is no joke. Things can go sideways very quickly, as we recently learned. Be prepared and play it safe.

This story was originally published July 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM.