First responders in New Braunfels had a busy weekend after separate incidents occurred on the Comal and Guadalupe river.
One of those incidents left a man dead and the other provided a near-death experience for a 6-year-old girl.
Maikol Castiblanco-Espinosa died after drowning near a boat ramp off Interstate 35 near FM 725.
Friends said the 27-year-old man swam across the Guadalupe River, suffered a cramp and went under as he was swimming back.
"I am surprised to hear somebody drowned here, the water isn't that high right now and not swift," Local fisher Mike Mueller said.
"The Guadalupe, I don't trust," Ramon Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said he's seen plenty of people underestimate the power of the Guadalupe.
"I've seen a lot of drunk people, I've pulled out a lot of females, kids, older people," Gonzalez said.
The New Braunfels Fire Department also responded to a call Saturday for a 6-year old who nearly drowned on the Comal River at Hinman Island Park.
Tubers performed CPR on the girl after finding her in the water.
She was taken to a New Braunfels hospital for further treatment.
As tubing season gears up, officials here said they want visitors to be alert before getting in the water.
"People just need to be aware they are in a natural water setting and it comes with some natural dangers, now having said that, the water here is great and we certainly encourage people to come enjoy themselves and have fun," David Ferguson, spokesperson for New Braunfels Police Department said.
Typically the Comal River is considered to be safer when compared with the Guadalupe River. However, if you aren't totally confident in your swimming skills, a life jacket is recommended.
