Labor Day Weekend Park Safety Tips & Reminders

• Life Looks Good On You -and so does a life vest! Before you dive in, put on a life vest. There are borrowing stations along Sacramento's waterways and at local fire stations. Remember, even the strongest swimmer can be pulled under by the strong river currents, even when water flows are low.
• Kids Don't Float -but life vests do. Make sure your child wears a life vest. Sacramento County ordinance requires any child under 13 to wear a life vest before accessing any public waters (Sacramento County Ordinance 13.08.301). Bring a life vest for each of your children to the river.
• Jumping and diving from the Clay Banks at El Manto is prohibited.

• Smoking is only allowed in developed picnic areas, asphalt surfaces, golf courses and on levee tops in the American River Parkway.
• Open flame fires are not allowed, and barbequing is only permitted in designated picnic areas.

The number of visits to Regional Parks increases dramatically during holiday weekends, which increases the cost to staff and maintain the parks. In order to offset these costs and provide maximum staffing and enforcement, the vehicle entrance fee will increase to $10 for single vehicles and $16 for oversized vehicles and vehicles towing watercraft. These increases will not affect annual pass holders. Visitors who regularly enjoy County Parks are encouraged to purchase an Annual Parks Pass, not only to save money but to help keep our parks safe and clean.

Helping out is easy. Some easy ways you can help keep our parks clean and beautiful:

• Please do not litter.
  
• Minimize your own trash. Reduce the amount of waste you bring into our parks by using re-usable containers that you can bring home afterward.
• Use the garbage cans located throughout our parks.
• Practice pack it in, pack it out. If you bring something with you, take it with you when you leave. That includes food scraps and beverage containers.