News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office
Potential Clackamas River disaster averted during training session
Posted: April 20, 2009, 4:23 p.m.
On Monday, April 20 at approximately 2 p.m., two males and a female in their mid-20s elected to float the Clackamas River between Barton and Carver Park on air mattresses and a flimsy 5-foot inflatable raft -- and were not wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs).
Almost immediately upon entering the river at Barton Park, this floating trio struck a partially submerged tree in the river -- which, resulted in each of the inflatable devices being punctured and landing all three (who were, again, not wearing PFDs) into the swift-moving, 49-degree water of the Clackamas River.
Fortunately, members of the Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium were training on this portion of the river at the same time, and witnessed this potential disaster occurring just a short distance upriver from their ongoing training session.
Clackamas Fire District #1 (Boat 8) was immediately able to respond and scoop all three of the bobbing, cold victims from the river unharmed.
All three were transported downriver to the Carver boat ramp and introduced to the on-duty Clackamas County Marine Sergeant. All three were issued citations for not being equipped with a personal floatation device -- a $242 fine per citation.
This is the time of the year when warmer weather arrives and the allure of Clackamas County waterways intensifies daily. However, everyone needs to be responsible for their own actions while recreating on the water -- especially on the Clackamas River, which is deceptively cold and swift and holds many submerged and potentially lethal objects, and demands an exorbitant amount of respect and common sense from recreating swimmers and boaters.
Spring into river safety
Just because it's getting warmer outside doesn't mean it's warm underwater. In fact, it's cold enough to kill you.
On March 29, 2007, an 18-year-old male lost his life after jumping into Mollala River to cool off after a hike. It's a tragic illustration of a deadly fact: Many of the rivers in Clackamas County are swifter and colder than they appear, particularly in the spring. Even the most expert swimmers have trouble pulling themselves out of heavy currents before hypothermia overcomes them, or they tire and can no longer stay afloat.
With hot weather on the way, many people head to our beautiful local rivers to cool off. If you want to enjoy the rivers of Clackamas County this spring and summer, by all means do so — but please bear the following in mind:
- The water is swift, high, and bone-chilling -- particularly in the spring.
- Check conditions before going out on the river. If the water seems treacherous, wait until later in the season -- when the river is lower and warmer.
- Know potential hazards: deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes, obstructions and entry and exit points.
- Always, always wear a personal flotation device that is a good fit and has a high safety rating.
- If you aren't sure you're swimming in a safe place, DON'T SWIM.
- ALWAYS wear a personal flotation device.
- Abstain from drinking if you plan to swim or operate a boat. The risk is high and the consequences can be severe.
- If you operate a power boat, be sure to get your Boater Education Card.
The Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium member agencies include:
• Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol
• Clackamas County Fire District #1
• Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue
• Estacada Fire District
• Sandy Fire District
• Gladstone Fire Department
• Lake Oswego Fire Department
• Canby Fire District
[END]
Jim Strovink, Detective
Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office