Stay Safe: As Portland nears temps in the 90s, a cool river dip can quickly turn deadly
PORTLAND, Ore. — It's the beginning of the highly-anticipated hot weekend, and many have already started flocking to local waterways to cool off and enjoy the sunshine as temperatures creep toward the 90s.
Walker Hughes started his Friday by doing just that. He launched his boat from the James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp early Friday morning, ready for a day of fishing out on the Columbia.
“I’m gonna get together with the family on Sunday for a big barbecue and enjoy the nice weather. I mean, how often do we get a nice sunny day like this?" Hughes said.
Several hours after Hughes, Ron Swayze had the same idea: Taking advantage of the warm weather and nice, cool river before it gets too busy.
“Fishing hasn’t been that good the past week because of all the rain and the blowout in the river. It’s clearing up a little bit, so that’s going to help fishing," Swayze said as he prepared to launch.
Hughes, Swayze and many others will visit the river over the next few days to fish, swim, boat, and relax in this unusually warm weather.
Public safety agencies warn that people need to be prepared if they decide to visit any rivers or swimming holes during the heatwave.
Even though it's warm outside, river temperatures will remain in the 50s — which means the body can suddenly and easily go into cold-water shock. This sort of shock is immobilizing, and victims can swiftly drown.
Other possible risks include equipment malfunctions, people falling out of boats, not knowing how to swim, or getting stuck on the water with limited supplies.
Portland Fire and Rescue says that while they're ready for the weekend ahead, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe preemptively.
Their number one recommendation is to think twice before diving in.
“That water is snowmelt coming down from Mt. Hood. It’s going to be significantly colder than you could anticipate it being. It’s not going to be your late August 'cannonball off the dock.' It's going to be cold. That’s going to affect your physiology and success in the water," said Rick Graves of Portland Fire & Rescue.
Additionally, murky water and hidden debris like logs can create dangerous conditions for swimmers and boaters. While less than usual this year, Marion County officials say there is plenty of debris in lakes and rivers right now, and those logs pose a risk to boaters and swimmers. The U.S. Forest Service says they will start a lake sweep on Monday, but urge people to be cautious.
“If you go to your favorite swimming hole, it might be different from last year or the last time you were there. There could be some sharp drop-offs, sharp objects — understand it’s a river and it changes every year," said Sean Whalen, Harbor Master for Portland Fire.
You should always test the temperature of the water before entering it, let yourself adjust, and make sure that someone on shore has eyes on you.
Since more people will be out on the water than usual, Whalen tells KATU that if you are in a water emergency, it might be a while before they can get to you.
In this case, it's best to call 911 directly, the non-emergency line, or even try to get the attention of other people on the beach or in the river.
"Even if you do call for us, most likely we’re going to be, time-wise, a while away. And if this is an immediate need, most likely other boaters are going to be nearby and willing and able to assist.”
Boaters are legally required to have a sound-making device, so Whalen advises using that to get the attention of other boaters during an emergency.
It's also essential to ensure that all equipment is up-to-date and functional — boats, life jackets, inner tubes, everything.
“Make sure your equipment still works. Look at your life jacket, make sure it's still functional. If it’s a child, there’s a chance they might have outgrown it, so make sure they’re the appropriate weight and upgrade if necessary. If you have a self-inflating life jacket, those have certain requirements and a life span, so you need to check," Whalen says.
Everyone should always have a partner when out on and in the water, Graves added.
"Make sure to partner up, and never take your eyes off people in the water."