Three Years After a Rope Swing Tragedy at Folsom Lake, This Family Is Still Fighting for Your Safety

It’s been three years since 23-year-old Katie Hoedt died at Folsom Lake after falling from a rope swing. She was a talented news producer at KCRA 3, out enjoying a summer day. Her parents, Beth and Andy Hoedt, could have retreated into private grief. Instead, they launched a public campaign that’s changing how California State Parks warns visitors about water dangers.

Their first win came when state parks agreed to increase signage at Folsom Lake and other high-risk swim spots. But they’re not stopping there. The Hoedts are now pushing for physical barriers in the most dangerous areas, better safety data on the state parks website, and a change in rules that currently prevents rangers from cutting branches used for illegal rope swings. Assemblymember Maggy Krell is working with them on the legislative front.

Beth Hoedt put it simply:“I don’t want anybody else to go through that.”She believes that if Katie had been properly warned about the hidden dangers of rope jumping, she would have made a different choice. Whether you’re a regular at Folsom Lake, a river floater, or just someone who visits a reservoir a few times a year, this family’s fight is about making sure the water stays fun and safe for everyone. Have you noticed the new safety signs at your local lake? Tell us in the comments.