With sunny skies and daytime temperatures forecasted to climb into the 80s this weekend, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is expecting a very busy weekend on the water. Over the past month, Marine Unit deputies have noted a significant jump in river use, as boating, fishing, paddling and open water swimming are allowed under the Governor’s ‘Stay at Home’ order.
“The weekends over the past month have been as busy, if not busier, than a summer day with temperatures higher than 100 degrees,” Marine Sgt. Steve Dangler said. “We want people to enjoy our local rivers, but we also want people to think ahead, follow health and safety guidelines and to be careful, as water temperatures are still very cold.”
River temperatures are hovering in the 40s and 50s, and in some locations, the water is moving swiftly. Swimmers can experience shock when they suddenly hit cold water. Cold water shock can immediately impact a person’s ability to move, breathe and swim.
Approximate current river temperatures:
- Willamette River at Portland: 57 degrees
- Clackamas River at Oregon City: 52 degrees
- Sandy River at Bull Run: 45 degrees
- Columbia River at Vancouver: 55 degrees
Agencies have responded to a number of water rescues recently, and unfortunately, two people have drowned in metro-area rivers since April 15. In the separate cases, paddlers fell into the water. They were not believed to be wearing life jackets. Life jackets are currently available at kiosks, however, many of the popular swimming areas and parks remain closed, and lifeguards are not staffed until Memorial Day Weekend.
“I urge everyone to use caution when going into the water,” Dangler said. “If you do visit the river, lifejackets should be standard equipment.”
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Sgt. Steve Dangler is available for interviews at 1:00 p.m. at the James Gleason Boat Ramp located at 4325 NE Marine Drive. News media can designate a pool photographer for a boat ride along.
Guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation include:
- Plan ahead and come prepared.
- Be safe and responsible by choosing activities within your comfort zone.
- Limit your recreation activities, and recreate only with people in your own household.
- Keep at least six feet between you and others on boats and while enjoying the outdoors. Launch one boat at time to ensure others have enough space to launch safely and securely.
- Check what’s open before leaving home. Your favorite park or boat launch may be closed, or need to close on a temporary basis, to prevent crowding and protect public health.
- Not feeling well? Don’t go. If you have symptoms of a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, stay home.