While last weekend wasn't filled with sunshine, this weekend is starting to look like it will be.
Many will likely want to grab the first opportunity to soak up the sun, including possibly taking a dip in the Truckee River.
Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue says right after the winter and spring season is when river flows are the strongest.
"As you can see it's been cold lately," said Tom Ames, Fire Captain for TMFR. "So, there hasn't been a lot of run off that is going to start coming down here in the summer months. So, we typically see peak flows within the next two months."
Captain Ames says right now water temperatures are ranging from 42 to 50 degrees.
He warns that it only takes about five minutes for hypothermia to set in.
"If you're starting to experience hypothermia, it's going to start with your motor skills," he said. "You're going to get weaker. Your hands aren't going to work right. Your feet and legs aren't going to work right. It's going to be harder to swim. We recommend grabbing a rock, calling for help, getting out of the river if possible, if you can and call 911."
TMFR says they have about 20 water rescues a year and most of the time it's when people aren't prepared.
The most important thing they ask people to bring is some sort of a personal floatation device, especially for kids.
They ask people to implement the buddy system, that way if things go wrong for one, the other can keep tabs and call 911.
Captain Ames says people shouldn't drink alcohol or use substances near or in the river.
"It just depletes your body and you don't know where you're at or what you're doing," he said. "You could get tired easier and it's just a dangerous situation."
He also stresses the importance of having a plan before heading out.
"Rivers are super dangerous," Captain Ames said. "With all that water pushing you around. There's debris in the river. We call them strainers. You can get pushed up against those. It's always good to let people know when you're going to enter the water and where you're going floating to and from."
While they say the river is safe to get in now, things could change depending on how fast the snow melts and runs off into the river.
