FRESNO COUNTY, California – Fresno County authorities have lifted access restrictions to the San Joaquin River, however, the Kings River remains closed to all recreational activities.
“Water levels have decreased in the San Joaquin River, creating safer conditions for public access,” the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office statement said.
This implies that kayaking, swimming, fishing, among other activities, are again allowed in the San Joaquin River, but authorities warn that it is still “extremely dangerous.”
Parks along the San Joaquin River such as Lost Lake and Skaggs Bridge will remain closed until further notice. According to the letter sent, the parks contain numerous dangers and require additional work to allow visitors to enter.
Authorities anticipate that the river continues to flow very differently than in previous years, and that visitors may find several fallen trees in the middle of the water, which create species of “strainers.” These represent a serious danger of being swept away by the current, authorities explain.
As of this Friday, June 16, the restriction is lifted for the San Joaquin River, but not for the Kings River, which still flows strongly and “is unsafe for recreational use,” says the County Sheriff.
Those entering the Kings River for any recreational activity risk a minimum fine of $225.
