Stranded Fisherman Provide Important Lesson As More Wet Weather Draws Near

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Rising waters trapped fisherman and provided a warning as more rain is on the way.

The latest storms, combined with water releases from local dams are making things downright dangerous.

The fishermen were stranded as water came down from Nimbus Dam and created an island where they were standing. The men either didn't hear, or ignored the loud sirens that sound before the dam gates open, not to mention the posted signs telling people to get back if they hear the sirens.

One fisherman tried to get off the hook by making his way to dry land, but the water was chest deep and moving deceptively fast.

"Current's really strong—flows are continuing to go up, there's no way he could've made it," said Capt. Michelle Eidam. "He was told by a sheriffs deputy to go back to the island and the deputy called for a boat to come get them off the island."

It can be a complicated procedure as crews have shown during training exercises. It takes at least two boats to make any rescue—one to reach the stranded while the other waits downstream.

With a wet start to the rain season and more rain on the way, it's important to stay aware on the waterways.

"If you think that right now where you're standing is safe--ten minutes, half an hour, an hour from now--it may not be," she said.