April 21, 2025 – Yosemite National Park officials offer some helpful advice to stay safe during your visit to the park.

Did you know that Yosemite National Park’s search and rescue team performs 15-20 water-related rescues every year? As temperatures warm up, it will be tempting to be around the park’s many bodies of water. But before you cannonball in, let’s dive into some water safety tips:

As water levels rise, so do their danger levels. Many of the park’s search and rescue cases involve visitors accidentally falling in after crossing streams, scrambling on rocks, or hiking near water. Take your time and use caution. Surfaces are more slippery than they look!

Mountain water is mainly made up of snowmelt, which means it’s freezing even when it’s hot outside. Swimming here is like swimming in an ice bath. Know your limits; even professional swift water rescuers need layers of insulation in the water!

More is happening under the water than you think. Powerful currents and hidden hazards like tree branches and rocks can lurk under calm waters and trap you. Always wear a life jacket and never swim alone in case of an emergency.

If a sign says, “No Swimming,” it is usually near a dangerous area where water-related incidents have happened in the past. When you see a sign, keep yourself safe and find a different location to enjoy.

If you do fall into a water with a strong current, float on your back, direct your legs downstream, and point your feet up on the surface.

View video here.

Source: Yosemite National Park