Drowning rescue team no longer has contract with Sacramento County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – After a chilly start to Memorial weekend, people are now taking advantage of the warmer weather.

Tiscornia Beach was teeming with pop-up tents, barbecues and swimmers of all kinds, but some are still afraid of the water.

The average water temperature due to snowmelt is 12.7 degrees Celsius and authorities say the water is too cold and too fast even for experienced swimmers.

Authorities also recommend that anyone planning to enter the water wear life jackets, especially for children under 12 years of age.

Kamina, one of the many people on the beach, was prepared and brought her own life jacket for the family, but also took advantage of the free life jackets available to borrow.

“We’re always thrilled to have these here. They definitely help and protect them. You never know how steep the water will be,” Kamina said.

Noticeably absent this year is the DART, the Drowning Accident Rescue Team, which normally patrols the river on Memorial Day and weekends during the summer stages.

DART told ABC10 that Sacramento County has not paid its contract for the first time since 2015. As a nonprofit, they cannot afford to be on the water every weekend.

Sacramento County said the Regional Parks Department did not issue a request for proposals this year for services previously provided by DART.

Sacramento County Regional Parks were closed for the holiday and could not be reached to ask why they had not requested the service this year.

ABC10 reached out to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and asked if DART’s absence put more pressure on the marine team. The sheriff’s office said they would provide swimmers by creating their own dive team.

Sacramento Dive and Rescue Team (DART) warns of recent drowning accidents and water safety