304.663.1118

She might have made a second, more serious error — plunging into the icy torrent to rescue the animals — if not for the intervention of a park volunteer, Park Ranger Tim Barrett said.

"[The] woman was going to go in and rescue the dogs," Barrett said. "The River Rover was able to dissuade her from doing that, or it very likely could have resulted in the loss of human life as well."

At least one of the animals died in the Buckeye Flat incident earlier this year, Barrett said.

The heavy winter snowpack is melting, presenting a danger to those who overlook the speed and power of Sierra Nevada streams and rivers. The job of the River Rover is to make sure those things aren't overlooked, contacting visitors in parking areas and alongside waterways.

Drownings are the leading cause of death in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Officials recorded no drownings in the easily accessible "front country" in 2006 or 2007, Barrett said, but at least four people drowned in 2005.

Last week, a visitor from Alabama fell into the Kaweah River near Hospital Rock and tumbled along 75 feet of rapids before being rescued by eight swift-water rescue workers, officials reported.

"We know this year's going to be a high-water year," Barrett said. "We really want to reinforce that safety message and be a presence out there."

Volunteers are being recruited now. They're asked to donate at least one day a week to the task of educating visitors and encouraging the responsible use of park lands and facilities.

River Rovers wear uniforms and backpacks and carry two-way radios and other equipment. They are not trained rescue personnel and do not take part in rescue operations, Barrett said.

It's not a paid position, but Barrett said it could lead to one.

"If someone were to apply for a position, this would be valuable on their résumé," he said. "It's a good way to get to know the park service, the job and the people who do this work."

BY MARTY BURLESON