A rise in temperatures along with snowmelt from nearby mountains are propping up water levels in the Provo River.

That’s prompted several warnings from officials asking the public to use extreme caution on trails and recreation areas near the river.

To emphasize this messaging, Provo, Orem and Utah County first responders have issued a river safety advisory notice.

It comes after three separate incidents in Utah County within the past week where people fell into raging waters, two of which resulted in deaths.

Officials are urging the public to stay at least 40 feet away from all riverbanks.

“Rivers and creeks in the area are channeling snowmelt from the surrounding mountains, which increases the volume and speed of most waterways throughout the county,” the Provo Police Department said Friday in a press release. “Of particular concern is the Provo River, which is currently running ten times faster than usual levels. Its volume is expected to peak within the next two weeks.”

Provo resident Alyson Wakefield was jogging along the Provo River Trail on Friday afternoon and said she’s noticed the efforts of public safety officials to keep people from getting too close to the fast-moving water. “I was walking down there and there’s more police tape. So I feel like they’re doing a lot to kind of show how dangerous this is,” she told the Daily Herald.

Wakefield says she uses the trail a few times a week and feels it’s still safe as long as people use caution. “I feel like it’s still safe to stay on the path. Obviously there’s barriers where you cannot cross, and as long as you’re staying where you’re supposed to be then I felt like it’s safe until further notice,” Wakefield said.

Earlier this week, Provo Parks and Recreation announced closures along four undercrossings on the Provo River Trail, all which have since been reopened except at Geneva Road due to flooding.

The joint agencies have asked citizens to take the following safety measures:

• Stay at least 40 feet away from riverbanks.
• Wear life jackets when recreating on or near the river, which is a requirement within unincorporated areas of Utah County.
• Obey any closures or advisories posted at trails and parks.
• Know where your children are roaming during summer break.
• Talk with your children about water dangers and staying 40 feet away from rivers.
• Keep pets on a leash.
• Avoid recreating along the Provo River until later in the summer.
• Don’t go alone when recreating near a waterway.

“We ask our community to do all they can to ensure no more lives are lost to water recreation incidents this summer,” the Provo Police Department said in the release.