With record breaking temperatures in the forecast, many in the Biggest Little City are looking to cool down and they might want to do so in the Truckee River.
But there's some things to know to recreate safely.
"The City of Reno is fortunate enough to have a river that runs right through the middle of it," said Jonathan Bernanrd, a member of Reno Fire's Water Entry Team (WET Team). "And with that comes a lot of potential for recreation and a lot of river use. And people make mistakes and get into trouble."
Bernard says this time of year the calls they respond to are often because of water temperature or alcohol use. While temperatures are forecasted for the 70's and 80's, the water of the river is closer to 40 degrees.
The cold isn't the only danger, as the water is running about one thousand cubic feet per second right now.
"Our river is much safer than some of the bigger, more consequential rivers around the country. But it's still a lot of water, and it has a lot of force. For every thousand cubic feet per second of water, it's equivalent to about six elephants pushing against you. It's a lot of force," said Bernard.
Bernard says if someone is still going to get in, they should wear shoes to protect their feet from sharp and slick rocks, have a personal flotation device or life jacket, and tell someone where and when they're getting in and out.
For details related to tube and raft safety on the Truckee River, watch the video attached above.
