RENO — Changing river conditions have prompted warnings from the Reno Fire Department for those who might be planning outings along the Truckee River.

The snowmelt from the warmer weather conditions has caused the Truckee River to have faster currents, higher water levels and very cold water temperatures. The fire department warns visitors to the river to be cautious as an outing along the river easily can turn deadly.

According to Reno Fire Department’s Water Entry Team (WET) members, the swift water flow can carry a person away swiftly and the temperature of the water will quickly lead to hypothermia, which can incapacitate anyone who falls into the river, overcome their swimming skills and ultimately lead to drowning.

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature is dramatically lowered.

With higher water and faster flow, WET members say there is also an increased hazard from debris that is washed into the river and, often unseen, can strike someone, causing them to lose their footing in the swift water or render them unconscious.

The Reno Fire Department’s WET team urges the public to take the following precautions:

• Do not enter or allow others to enter the Truckee River during peak runoff flow periods when people can be quickly overwhelmed by the power of the river, placing themselves and rescuers in danger.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold water of the river, which can lead to hypothermia.

• Make sure children are under constant supervision and keep them away from the riverbank where they can easily fall into the river, or where riverbank erosion can result in the bank caving into the river.

• Never allow children to enter the water alone, be aware of the cold water conditions that can quickly affect children and make sure they wear personal floatation devices if they are allowed to enter the water.

• All pedestrians, including joggers and walkers, should stay on established pathways and trails and away from the edge of the riverbank.

• If you do fall in, do not attempt to stand up. A leg or ankle can easily become caught in underwater rocks or debris, and the force of the water can push you over and hold you under. Attempt to lie on your back with your feet pointing downriver and toes up towards the surface so you can push off rocks with your feet and attempt to maneuver to the edge of the river.

• If you see someone fall into the river, immediately call 911. Do not attempt a rescue by entering the water. A rope or flotation device such as an inflated toy or sports ball or even a Styrofoam ice chest can be thrown to the victim to assist them.

• Boaters, rafters and kayakers are encouraged to check the condition of the river thoroughly, including temperature and flows, before entering the river. All boaters, rafters and kayakers should wear helmets, appropriate exposures suits and approved personal flotation devices.