Kern River kills out of town visitors 

Even with warning signs accidents can still happen and the victims aren't at fault. I had a friend who went fishing at the kern river and was on dry land but tripped on a rock, fell in, and drowned.

If you don't swim don't go in the Kern River

When I was little my parents took us here with some of their friends. I remember we got in the river and it was deep and flowing pretty fast. I don’t understand why my parents let us do this. We didn’t even know how to swim. They would also let us get deep in the ocean in Santa Monica beach. It’s a miracle we are alive my brother and I.

I've been going to the Kern River for over 30 years know many people that have risk their lives and also have lost their lives. I do not swim in that River it literally has one of the most dangerous currents and undertows but I will soak in those hot springs which are not located in the river. And I will raft down it with experts and a life vest. Stay out stay alive!

Didn’t anyone listen to Merle growing up?

There is a lake with no current, just a few miles up the road. Why be stupid with your children and go in the river instead of the lake?

Why would you leave LA to swim in a river?

I grew up in Bakersfield my dad taught me how to swim there a long time ago just like the song I will never swim the Kern River a gain it's a Beautiful place but the water my friend will take you in a heart beat just please be safe

Oh my gawd rip I was researching to go here Jesus

Crossin' the Rio ain't like swimmin' in the Kern.

Wow, I thought Merle's Kern River was just a song. Sadly, it seems accurate.

Anyone else notice a trend here

I was so little in a raft and we all know where the strong current is at well I ended up there grabbing onto the branch before almost getting sent out

The river doesn’t people. Ignorance kills people.

I’ve never drowned in it. Guess I know my river.

No habla.

Us locals don't swim I'm the killer kern .get a clue

I travel for work and I've been fishing this river for 5/7 days a week since I got out here, there are "safer" areas. Some really great pool areas with a current not even running more than 1kt. As a bank fisherman by hobby, I have almost slipped and bashed my skull in on a rock for a couple of occasions. I don't know what's more dangerous, swimming in it or scaling big rocks just to catch a couple bass. Be safe everyone, even use the buddy system.

Swimming in the kern river is nice but you gotta know how to swim. Any body of water is dangerous people!!

Please stay in Los Angeles.