A placid surface can hide a deadly current. Water that streams around boulders can suck a swimmer under them, as well. And a swimming hole that was safe and serene one summer can become a death trap the next year, depending on how the winter high flow currents have changed the bottom and how much water is being let out of Folsom Dam at the time.

Rescue workers continually plead with people to approach the river with cautious respect -- and a life vest. But every year people drown.

A 40-year analysis of drowning along the American River Parkway in Sacramento County shows that victims are overwhelmingly young and male. Of the 231 victims between 1962 and 2001, only one was wearing a life jacket, as reported 7/15/02.