Officials warn of canal dangers following drowning in Indio
Luis Avila
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A recent drowning in an Indio canal has prompted local officials to issue a renewed warning about the dangers these waterways pose to the public.
Although the water may appear calm on the surface, Officer Salvador Cardenas says the canal’s steep banks and powerful undercurrents can make it a deadly trap.
“Severely dangerous to walk around the canals. There’s a lot of soft edges, soft dirt. Canals may not look like they’re moving really fast but there’s a real strong current underneath the water and it’s pretty deep. So you don’t want to be caught in there because you’ll drop in there in one spot and you’ll be floating somewhere else. There’s nowhere really to grab on.”
Officer Salvador Cardenas, Indio PD
This tragedy is not the first of its kind in the area. Just two months ago, Officer Cardenas rescued an 18-year-old from the same canal after the teen jumped in to save his dog.
He says the department receives occasional calls about people accidentally falling into the canal — in some cases drowning.
Due to the area’s foot traffic and proximity to hiking trails, the danger is ever-present, including for people walking dogs off-leash.
Hikers in the area tell News Channel 3 they stick to the trail and steer clear of the water — something authorities strongly advise.
“Stay on the trails… If somebody does fall in, you don’t want to jump in after them. You want to call 9-1-1 immediately. A recommendation is to have a rope… or something you can throw to someone.”
Officer Salvador Cardenas, Indio PD
Authorities hope the recent fatality will serve as a sobering reminder of the real risks canals pose. They continue to urge residents and visitors to respect these warnings and avoid venturing near or into the water.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.