River water is still running high and cold, making it all the more important for rafters and swimmers to use life jackets. Authorities also caution against boating and drinking, or ‘floating’ and drinking for rafters, as the alcohol will slow response time and could create added danger for those trying to enjoy a day on the water. Extra patrols will be implemented on the area’s waterways as deputies crack down on drunken or impaired boaters.

Traffic is expected to be heavy through the region for the long holiday period and temperatures will be on the rise, topping out in the triple digits for a good share of the weekend. There will be added enforcement on the roadways as well, with the ‘maximum enforcement period’ running through Monday, July 4.

For those purchasing fireworks, make sure to look for the ‘Safe and Sane’ seal of the fire marshal and buy and use only those fireworks, authorities said, as those are the only ones approved for use. Any that leave the ground — bottle rockets, M-80s and the like — are illegal and potentially harmful, since they could land on a roof and spark a fire.