Kings River Closed to Boats, Jet Skis, Other Motorized Watercraft 

May 25, 2025 – Tulare County Sheriff's Office officials announce it has been determined that water levels and flow in the Kings River, through Tulare County, are not safe. Therefore, the Kings River (in Tulare County) will be closed to motorized watercrafts until further notice.

An assessment of the river revealed numerous hazards, including sand bars, tree trunks, logs and wood debris just below the surface of the water in multiple areas. These unseen hazards make it extremely dangerous for any type of motorized watercraft to safely navigate the Kings River within Tulare County at this time. As a matter of fact, the TCSO Marine Enforcement Unit was not even able to launch its boat in order to safely put out “No Wake Zone” signs and buoys.

Although the river has been closed to all motorized watercraft, it remains open to other water recreation, such as swimming or floating. Please use caution and wear a Personal Flotation device when in the water.

TCSO Deputies will be in the area enforcing the motorized watercraft restrictions.

Deputies are expecting water levels to rise by June 1st.

Source & photos: Tulare County Sheriff's Office