RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – If you’ve been to the James River on a dry day, you’ve seen the signs that read ‘River Level Below 5 Feet, No Restrictions.’ But when there is no warning, could boaters, swimmers and fishers be even more at risk?
8News was on Belle Isle on September 1 when someone was injured on the rocks. Authorities said they were unsure whether the person was stuck under a rock or slipped and fell, but warn the public that no matter the river level, anything is possible.
Ambulances, fire trucks, and dive teams rushed to Belle Isle around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
“We pulled up in here to go to the river and saw rescue trucks come in,” said Brett Meyn, who was fishing with a friend near the Reedy Creek entrance to the James River Park. “They were hurrying down the road.”
What came in as a water rescue turned out to be a minor injury on the rocks. However, it goes to show low river levels can be just as risky.
“When the water’s low everybody’s at an ease of mind,” said Carter Chumley. “There’s no excuse to go out on to the river and think you’re going to be safe. There’s always a hazard.”
When the water in the James River gets above nine feet, a city permit is required before someone can get in. Above five, a life jacket is required. For any level less than five feet, there are no restrictions.
During first week of September, the level was expected to be less than 3.5 feet, much lower than usual.
Both river regulars, Chumley and Meyn said that when the river drops, slick rocks become a big hazard.
“When the river gets low, you get all these rocks that are never exposed, people go to jump on them, slip, crack their heads. The rock doesn’t give,” Meyn said.
On days when the those rocks are exposed, both say it is essential to wear shoes with traction.
“You’ll see people out here barefoot, but I don’t ever do that,” Meyn said. “I try to go with grippy tennis shoes or something. “
Another tip: feel it out first.
“Any time you climb down into the water, (put your) hand down, feet after that,” Meyn added.
If you are crossing water between rocks, do so with extreme caution. “A lot of people just think they can hop it or step down. It can be a real deep spot,” said Meyn.
The most common sense tip of all: use the buddy system. Don’t ever swim or boat alone. Through Labor Day weekend, additional firefighters are patrolling the area around the river. In 2015, Richmond fire crews have responded to more than 30 emergency calls, rescuing more than 25 people from the James River.
