FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The Fresno canals span over 700 miles throughout the city, most parts 10 feet deep.
While it seems calm from above, some currents can run up to 10 mph.
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As temperatures soar this week, many unhoused individuals seek relief in the canals.
“That is not the place to jump in, the water is super dangerous, there’s very little chance of survival,” said Fresno Fire Training Capt. Shane Brown.
The Fresno City Fire Department has received nearly 30 canal rescue calls this year alone.
“A lot of the people that are experiencing that are suffering from mental health, drug and alcohol abuse and anything like that is going to greatly increase the chance that you have no survivability in a swift water environment,” Capt. Brown said.
The water is also colder than people think.
“As the hypothermia, the overexertion, the panic all sort of combined together, a person quickly gets overwhelmed,” said Brown.