(12 Jun 2017) Officials fear a surge in drownings following record snowfall this winter as the weather heats up in California and other U.S. western states.
Several drownings have already been reported in frigid, swift rivers that are popular for swimming, whitewater rafting and fishing.
Some California rivers have been closed for recreation by officials in the name of safety.
And rivers in Utah, Nevada and Wyoming are expected to continue surging for the next several weeks.
Moose Mutlow of the Yosemite National Park Swift Water Rescue Team says people need to be extremely cautious at rivers this year.
This isn't Disney World. This is a place that has natural dangers. It demands respect, said Mutlow. He added that in the last ten years, two-thirds of the missions have been fatalities.
He says the powerful water tempts people in for selfies or swims that can turn tragic.
He recently led the Yosemite team in training drills as a reminder of the risks involved.
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Green river float
Going through one of the rapids on the Green River
Green River drive on Hastings Road, Green River, Utah
Video from a windshield-mounted GoPro while driving along the Green River on Hastings Road, north of Swaseys Beach in Green River, Utah.