Rio Vista Demands Urgent Safety Upgrades at Sandy Beach
UPDATE: In a critical response to a tragic drowning incident, Rio Vista city officials are urgently calling on the Solano County Board of Supervisors to implement immediate safety enhancements at Sandy Beach, a popular destination along the Sacramento River. This plea follows the drowning of 23-year-old Nico Cuevas from Antioch, who tragically lost his life on August 13, 2023, while swimming at the beach.
The body of Cuevas was recovered the next day, August 14, by divers utilizing a remotely operated vehicle. This heartbreaking incident has reignited concerns over the persistent dangers faced by beachgoers, prompting city leaders to take action.
Although Sandy Beach is outside of Rio Vista’s jurisdiction, city council members recognize it as a vital community asset, frequented by local residents. In an official letter to the county supervisors, they expressed “deep concern” regarding ongoing safety risks and presented eight urgent recommendations aimed at preventing further tragedies.
Among the proposals are:
1. Enhanced multilingual warning signage featuring clear visuals with direct messages such as “If you enter the river, you are likely to drown.”
2. Additional lifesaving equipment, including flotation devices strategically placed along the shoreline, where currently only one device is located near the boat dock.
3. A local ordinance mandating that children under 13 wear life jackets while in the river, similar to a policy recently introduced in Sacramento County.
4. A complete ban on alcohol at Sandy Beach to reduce risky behaviors associated with drownings.
5. Improved visibility through the trimming of shoreline vegetation.
6. Reduced park hours or stricter attendance limits during peak days to manage crowd safety effectively.
7. Upgrades to the Sandy Beach website to include live safety alerts, hazard tracking, and educational resources for visitors.
8. Implementation of a flag warning system to inform beachgoers about current water conditions.
Rio Vista Mayor Edwin Okamura, who signed the letter on behalf of the mayor and city council, stated that the recent drowning “highlights the necessity of employing additional safety measures to prevent drownings, educate beachgoers, and save lives.”
The Solano County Board of Supervisors Chair, Mitch Mashburn, did not respond to inquiries about the proposals, leaving it uncertain if the safety measures will be discussed in upcoming meetings.
This incident is not an isolated case; officials have previously warned of the risks associated with the area’s fast-moving currents, poor underwater visibility, and the absence of lifeguards. The community’s safety hangs in the balance as Rio Vista pushes for action that could potentially save lives at Sandy Beach.
As city officials await a response from the county, local residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and informed. The situation remains developing, and further updates are expected as discussions progress.
Stay tuned for more on this urgent issue as Rio Vista and Solano County navigate the path to improved safety measures at Sandy Beach.
