24-05-2025
Stay out, stay alive: The Killer Kern claims seven lives bringing the total to 342 since 1968
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — It's the annual update marked by tragedy showing the total drownings in Kern County at 335 since 1968, until now. The new total is 342.
Rodney Jones with Kern County Search and Rescue said, 'In six inches of water, you can drown in this river.'
Jones says this year the river is flowing slower at 1,124 cubic feet per second, but the upper Kern is pushing at 2,700 cfs.
'The average over the last five years is about seven bodies a year in this river,' said Jones.
Majid Tal, an Orange County resident said, 'They don't understand the current, the speed, the strength. Even a little amount of water can drag you down.'
Tal is on vacation at Keysville Beach in Lake Isabella. This ER nurse says his kids aren't allowed to swim in the river after driving past the Kern River Sign. 'I always try to be the closest one to the water. I don't want the kids to be in the water when I'm not there,' said Tal.
Tal's daughter, Mira says she doesn't go anywhere near the river because her dad says so. 'I have to wait until an adult watches me,' said Mira.
There are a total of eight swift water rescue teams covering a vast area of treacherous, unpredictable waters.
Yerania Molina-Reyes is one of the brave volunteers dedicating her life to save others, and she does it for free. 'It's sad,' said Molina-Reyes. 'Worried a lot for my team members a lot because we are like family. So, whenever someone is in the river, and we go out to get them, we put ourselves at risk. It's sad in every way, and then having to deliver messages to the family members. Especially, the Spanish speaking that I usually have to translate for, it's heartbreaking because there's no easy way to say to them when they lose a family member.'
Molina-Reyes said to stay in groups, stay away from the water's edge, wear a life vest, make sure you have cell service and designate someone to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
Lori Meza with the Kern County Sheriff's Office said, 'Go tell your friends, and go tell your loved ones. Help us get the word out so we as a community can save lives together.'
Go with someone if you go in, and most importantly, listen to your loved ones to stay out.
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