News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Sheriff's Office Marine deputies rescue woman and child from Clackamas rapids

Posted: Aug. 24, 2010, 8:10 a.m.

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On Monday, Aug. 23, 2010 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Milwaukie resident Emily Kauts and her 4-year-old daughter Bella E. Kauts were floating along in a 6-foot Sevylor raft in the Clackamas River near Cross Park, in Gladstone.

Lisa Pierce, 25, of Gladstone, a friend of Emily Kauts, was floating in an innertube alongside Emily's raft when 4-year-old Bella fell out of that raft into the swift-moving Clackamas River.

Lisa Pierce promptly abandoned her innertube, swam and grabbed onto Bella -- but was then stranded in the middle of the river, surrounded by jagged rapids in fast-moving, waist-deep water with the child.

Lisa and the child were unable to move to the shoreline -- which was some 40 feet away on either side and inaccessible through the water, which was reportedly 5-feet deep or deeper.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol deputies arrived on-scene, and they were able to maneuver around and successfully hoist Bella into the safety of their boat.

With Bella safely aboard, the Marine deputies then grabbed Lisa Pierce and brought her safely aboard the Marine Patrol boat.

Deputies soon learned that Lisa Pierce resides only a short distance from the recovery location -- and all parties were reunited to continue their short trek downstream safely to Pierce's home in Gladstone.

Everyone was determined to legally equipped for the river, and no citations were issued.

[END]

Contact Info:
Jim Strovink, Detective
Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office