BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- As the temperatures rise, so do the number of people hitting the Kern River to cool down. But what may seem like safe water could be anything but safe.

The Kern River may seem cool, calm, and inviting but underneath it can lie a bed of traps that could suck you in and kill you.

Though safety officials always say stay out of the water, many just can't resist and some find themselves swept away.

So here are some tips:

1. Always wear a life vest every time you get in the river

2. Don’t drink and float as it hinders judgment and can cause you to become disoriented or lethargic.

3. Do not use flotation devices like inner tubes because it can pop or slip away.

4. If you are swept away by the water, do not cling onto anything or try to fight the current because you can get so tired that you will drown.

5. Keep your feet above water and flatten your body to float.

6. Resist trying to touch the bottom of the river with your feet.

"Your foot can get wedged in rocks or branches and your foot is stuck and the force of the water pushes you down and you can't breathe," said Kern County Search and Rescue Sgt. Gary Rhoades.

As you float downstream look for a smooth, shallow embankment and try to swim over to it to get out.

Most importantly, always remember it only takes one second for you to get in trouble and not come out alive from the river.