The Kern River is known to be a very dangerous river to swim in, claming over 275 lives in the past few decades. It's newest victim was 19 year old Leo Nunez, who was swimming with a friend in an area known as the "Diving Rocks".

Kern County Sheriff's Office took part in the recovery of Nunez's body, and Lieutenant Damon McMinn says he's been on multiple rescue missions in that specific spot which has claimed 4 other lives in recent years. He explains "it pinches the water flow down from the river, and it drops it into a pool about approximately 25-35 feet deep".

Although Nunez's body was recovered Friday evening, there have also been approximately 10 bodies that have never been recovered from the Kern River since these kinds of records have been kept. 

Lower than normal water levels in the river means underwater hazards such as boulders, trees, and other debris are more exposed and closer to the surface which elevates the danger to swimmings. KSCO discourages swimming in the river although it is a public water way and they can't legally prohibit it.