News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Clackamas County deputies join forces with Oregon State Police on the Clackamas River; lifejackets save lives in Sandy River canoe incident

Posted: July 26, 2009, 5:51 p.m.

Photos from Sandy River canoe rescue: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ]

CCSO CASE # 09-22778

Clackamas County Sheriff's Marine Patrol and Oregon State Police Fish & Game Officers joined forces over the weekend -- focusing enhanced enforcement on the Clackamas River.

On Saturday, July 25, 2009 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., five Oregon State Police troopers and ten Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine personnel focused attention on the Clackamas River between Barton and Carver.

As a result of this strict and enhanced enforcement effort, no swimming-related injuries were reported. However, a significant number of citations were issued -- with the expectation that this enforcement action will help make the river a safer place for all, as well as a more comfortable waterway for safe family recreation.

As a result of this enhanced patrol conducted by Clackamas County Sheriff's Marine Patrol and Oregon State Police, the following citations were issued:

• 117 citations were issued for No Personal Floatation Device. This is a $242 (bail) citation.
• 2 Minor In Possession citations. These are $200 each.
• 4 citations were issued for Possession of Marijuana -- less than one ounce. $1,000 each.
• 1 Boating Under the Influence citation. A $7,500 citation.
  

Lifejackets save lives in Sandy River canoe incident

Also, on Saturday (July 25) on the Sandy River, just below Dodge Park, two men with considerable rafting and canoeing experience were very fortunate. (Photos from this incident are linked above.)

These two men read online that the Sandy River was a "popular beginner's run." Following sage advice from their wives, both men were wearing their personal floatation devices (lifejackets) when they put their canoe into the Sandy River at Dodge Park.

About 300 yards downriver from Dodge Park, the duo tipped the canoe over after encountering some undesirable sideway activity in the rapids.

When marine-rescue personnel arrived, one subject was clinging to a rock in the middle of the river, while the other was able to successfully swim to shore.

Marine-rescue personnel tossed a rope to the remaining subject, who was clinging to a rock in the middle of the river. This man was pulled to shore safely. He had suffered only minor bruising, but was otherwise in good condition.

The intended destination of these two canoeists was Oxbow Park.

This one incident serves as a superb example demonstrating how lifejackets can keep you afloat and save your life.

The above-linked photos of the canoe in the Sandy River are provided courtesy of Deputy Scott Napoli of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

[END]

Contact Info: Jim Strovink, Detective