Yuba Knowledge

Ready to Recreate in the Yuba? Think River Safety!

Ready to Recreate in the Yuba? Think River Safety!

As the days get hotter, a dip in the Yuba River seems all the more inviting. Here in mid-July, flow levels have tapered off (although you should always check before you go. SYRCL recommends using the Dreamflows site) and the water isn’t as shockingly cold as it was at the start of “river season”. But river recreation is different than heading out to a lake or swimming in a pool. A river is a constantly evolving environment. Rocks shift, flows increase and decrease, water temperature fluctuates – a river is dynamic, full of change. 

When recreating at the Yuba, remember to assess the situation and your abilities realistically. If the conditions are treacherous or you feel overwhelmed, it’s best to wait rather than putting yourself at further risk. Stay safe and be prepared by learning basic water safety and survival skills beforehand.