Kern River claims another life in July 4 tragedy near Sandy Flat

KEYSVILLE, Calif. ( KGET ) — The Kern’s death toll continues to grow and it may grow again soon.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said a man and a woman entered the river in the Sandy Flat area near Highway 155 on Thursday. Her body was recovered three hours later near Keysville Beach.

Anthony Rios and his family are playing in the same river downstream a day later. “Just swimming and having fun,” Rios said.

Rios and 20 of his family members are swimming at the Upper Richbar picnic grounds with no life vests.

“Just don’t go too much in the deep end. Just be careful and always have people nearby,” Rios said.

Experts said no amount of care can keep you safe from the fast current and underwater snares. No number of people nearby can save you. In fact, the man missing in the river may have died attempting to help the woman who drowned. The only safe way to go into the river is with a professional rafting company.

Rios, who is from Los Angeles, hadn’t heard the warnings.

“No, we haven’t been told nothing,” he said.

Ten deaths were added to the Kern River sign bringing the total amount of drownings to 335 since 1968.

Three tourists, Michelle Flores, Michael Chauvie and Solene Flores, at Keysville Beach were asked if they’re scared of the dangerous currents of the Kern River.

“Yes. Terrified,” Flores said.

“No. Absolutely not. Absolutely not,” Chauvie said. “I’ve been on rollercoasters way scarier than this alright. It’s just water.”

The vacationers from Los Angeles are on a double date camping trip at Keysville Beach. They got to Keysville the day of the drowning. They said veteran swimmers have put up a safety line for those swept away. It’s not enough.

“If you’re gonna go out in that water you gotta have a life jacket. You have to. There’s no way you shouldn’t,” said Chauvie.

At last report, rescue teams are still looking for a man who was swept away by the same current at the same time that claimed the life of a woman in her 30s.

Solene Flores said, “If you’re gonna get in the water be prepared cause you maybe get swept out. Don’t come to the water thinking I’m 100% safe.”

Swimming is not recommended in the Kern River because of powerful currents and hidden underwater hazards.

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