New data shows how many people attempt to swim in Whitewater illegally

New data given to News Channel 3 from the Coachella Valley Water District shows how many people have attempted to trespass and swim in Whitewater River at a popular bridge spot since the beginning of summer.

The Coachella Valley Water District has hired a private security firm this summer to help enforce the “no trespassing” signs seen near the popular swim spot known to have a heavy current. Last summer, a boy and his stepfather were swept away by the river at this location and drowned.

“It’s getting incredibly hot and I know the whitewater river looks incredibly tempting, it’s a beautiful area with water rushing down but it is incredibly dangerous,” said Katie Evans, Director of Communications and Conservation, CVWD.

The data shows hundreds of cars being turned away each week. “We had one day where we turned away 184 cars in one day. So people are definitely still coming to the area,” said Evans.