July 4, 2023 – Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials report that this weekend, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Water Rescue and Recovery Team responded to the Merced River in Snelling for two stranded rafters. These rafters were on an inflatable pool raft that was not rated for a river or any type of rapids. The rapids pushed the raft into a tree which caused it to pop. The rafters were able to get to an island in the middle of the river.

This was a life-threatening situation not only for the rafters but for our rescue personnel as well. It could have turned out much worse. We cannot stress enough that the water is extremely fast and is not safe.

Please do not put yourself in a situation to endanger your life or the lives of our rescuers.

You should also be aware that depending on the circumstances of the emergency response, you could be charged, for the cost of the rescue operation, up to $12,000.

Source: Merced County Sheriff’s Office