Tulare County deputies search Tule River for missing man

Sheyanne N Romero, Visalia Times-Delta
Updated ·2 min read

Another man has gone missing in a Tulare County waterway, according to sheriff's officials.

Around 11 a.m. Sunday, deputies got a call that William “Billy” Moore was seen floating down the Tule River Saturday night. The 38-year-old man was on floatation device, according to witnesses. The description of the floatation device wasn't given.

Deputies went to the river to start their search Sunday. They brought drones and other water rescue equipment. The California Highway Patrol Helicopter “H 40” also helped with the search, sheriff's officials said.

As of Monday morning, Moore had not be found.

He was last seen wearing multi-colored swim shorts with a gray and white T-shirt.

Moore does not have any known medical conditions or mental health issues, according to sheriff's officials. He is described as "able-bodied and able to swim and walk."

Despite a swimmer's abilities, the sheriff has continued to warn people to stay away from the water after a heavy rain season and melting snow flow quickly.

This is not the first the first time someone has gone missing in a Tulare County waterway this year.

White water of the Kaweah River passes through Slick Rock Recreation Area Monday, May 1, 2023. A search continues for a man last seen Friday when another man and a child were rescued from the river.
White water of the Kaweah River passes through Slick Rock Recreation Area Monday, May 1, 2023. A search continues for a man last seen Friday when another man and a child were rescued from the river.

Earlier this month, local first responders rescued a 7-year-old child and a man stuck on a rock in the middle of Kaweah River at Slick Rock, which is now closed.

The survivors were treated at a local hospital. Another man went missing the same day in the open waters and hasn't been found.

Tulare County mountains have seen a record-breaking winter season with a Sierra snowpack over 200% of normal for this time of year.

Local waterways pose a significant threat to public safety. Federal, state and local agencies, tasked with monitoring open waters, are preparing for a deadly spring and summer season.

Parts of the Kaweah, Kern and Tule rivers have been closed to the public, as well as portions of the Kings and St. John’s rivers.

Red Cross recommend taking these precautions when you’re around water (even if you’re not planning to swim):

  • Know your limitations, including physical fitness, medical conditions.

  • Never swim alone; swim with lifeguards and/or water watchers present.

  • Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight and size and the water activity. Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill.

  • Swim sober.

  • Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout.

  • Know how to call for help.

  • Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment you are in, such as:

    • River currents.

    • Ocean rip currents.

    • Water temperature.

    • Shallow or unclear water.

    • Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department at 733-6218.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Tulare County deputies search Tule River for missing man