Six people had a very close call on the Sacramento River in Chico on Saturday afternoon, but all of them made it out safely.
Emergency crews responded to the river near West Sacramento Avenue and River Road after a report of people in the water. According to Action News Now, crews arrived at about 3:36 p.m., pulled all six people to shore, and cleared the scene without anyone needing medical treatment.
Responders included CAL FIRE, Butte County Search and Rescue, and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, who worked together to get everyone out of the water.
Who Responded
Butte County’s volunteer Search & Rescue unit fields a trained swiftwater team that specializes in emergencies involving tubing, boating, and vehicles in the water. The group trains alongside local fire and law enforcement agencies to be ready for situations like Saturday’s rescue.
Butte County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue outlines its swiftwater capabilities and community training programs, which are designed to complement county and state emergency responders.
Why This Stretch Can Be Dangerous
The Sacramento River along River Road can look deceptively calm, but it is known for fast currents and sudden drop-offs. Regional river-forecast data show that West Sacramento Avenue and River Road are prone to flooding once the river reaches certain gauge levels, and the California-Nevada River Forecast Center tracks local flood thresholds at the Hamilton City gauge to show how quickly conditions can shift.
Past incidents on the Sacramento River have underscored those hazards. The Sacramento Bee has reported on drownings tied to swift currents and hidden drop-offs along the river.
How To Stay Safe
Officials continue to stress the basics: wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, skip the alcohol when you are on or near the water, and check local river conditions before heading out.
Both the CDC and the U.S. Coast Guard recommend life jackets for anyone on open water, constant close supervision of children near rivers, and calling 911 immediately if someone appears to be in distress.
