You're absolutely right. (in my opinion)

I think so too Don. I'll say the majority is Hispanics that don't know or care to know the language, or aren't caring about   what their fellow Hispanic Friends tell them about the dangers.  Now for all the rest of us people who speak English pretty well, if you go in the river do so at your own risk. But make sure your family has a good insurance plan on you. It's call the KILLER KERN for a reason. I don't care how hot you are.

vest or no vests what if you slip on a  rock and hit your head? what if you dive in and hit your head,..what if i just hit your head,..STUPID!

The Kern River isn't a killer unless you are stupid, careless, stoned, drunk or just don't care.  They kill themselves, and if they want' to cliff jump, go to Acapulco.  I have fished it for 50 years, rafted it, have swum in it and  I'm not dead yet.  But I am careful, because it is powerful.

Why Acapulco? Is it safer there to jump?

That's where the travel movies always showed people (usually handsome young men) would dive from the cliffs into one safe spot in the ocean.  Always a hit in the old travelogs at the matinee years ago.  You aren't old enough to remember the 10 cent matinees and all the "short subject" cartoon, etc.  Diving is scary though.

But I am careful, because it is powerful  that is why it's the "Killer Kern" I used to jump the rock in the higher elevations when I was a boy scout. i knew it could kill me, if I was supid. Mind you boulder jumping probably wasn't a good idea, but  I did it anyway like all the other guys with me.

You also have to remember there are people coming here from out of this area and go to the relatively "calmer"  waters of the Kern. They see it and say hmm this is invitng. They just don't realize the under current of the nice surface water.