Eight people were floating on inner tubes on the river between East Gridley Road and the gravel pits near Hutchins Road around 4:30 Saturday afternoon when five people from the group hit a tree and disappeared from view. The Butte County Sheriffs Marine unit arrived and brought the tubers to safety. Four adults in the group were wearing life jackets, but a 10-year-old in the group reportedly was not. No was injured in the incident.

There are strong currents this year and drownings are up by 500 percent. The Butte County Sheriff's Office says that it's very important for people to stay alert while on enjoying the water and wearing a life jacket is strongly recommended while tubing.