Date: June 15, 2001 |
For Immediate Release |
Paddlers Urged To Wear Life Jackets
Paddlers take note: Five of the six boaters who have died in Oregon waters so far this year were in canoes, kayaks and rafts, representing a complete turnaround from previous years’ boating fatality statistics.
“Normally about 35 percent of our boating fatalities involve manually powered boats, but here we are at more than 80 percent. Five non-motorized boating fatalities is closer to our yearly total,” said Marty Law, Oregon State Marine Board education program administrator. “And it’s only June.”
Law notes one common thread in four of the five fatalities. “They were not wearing life jackets. These are unstable craft. People need to wear life jackets whenever they boat, especially in canoes, kayaks or rafts,” says Law. “Our rivers are cold and swift, and lakes can turn rough without warning. If you end up in the water, a life jacket is literally a life saver.”
The most recent drowning occurred Sunday, June 10, at Crescent Lake near Willamette Pass when a canoe with three people aboard capsized. A motorboat operator rescued two of the boaters, but a 20-year-old man is missing and presumed drowned.
Law offers this advice: “Many kayakers, canoeists and rafters are getting an early start with this year’s low waters, or they may be trying locations they’re not familiar with. Be prepared and scout the river. Look for, and steer well clear of, log jams and other hazards. Tell someone where you are going and when you’ll be back – in case you become stranded – and make sure you wear a quality life jacket. Even a strong swimmer will not last long in cold water. A life jacket will make rescue far easier and much more likely.” The final point Law makes is to leave the alcohol at home. “These craft are unstable enough without the occupants consuming alcohol. We find that alcohol is involved in about half of these fatalities. Remember – boat safe, boat sober.”
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Hearings In Clatskanie For Boating Regulation Proposal
A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 21, in Clatskanie on a proposed boating speed limit on the Clatskanie River. The meeting is at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 95 S. Nehalem.
Petitioners are asking the Oregon State Marine Board for a speed limit on the Clatskanie River in Columbia County from a point 100 yards downstream from the floating railroad bridge and ending at the Olson Road bridge. The speed limit is requested to protect public safety and property.
The Marine Board will consider the rules at the Tuesday, July 10, Marine Board meeting in Newport. Written comments must be received by Friday, June 29. Comments may be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to the board, or given verbally or in writing at the public hearing. Written comments may be delivered to: Wayne Shuyler, OSMB, PO Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309; via e-mail to Wayne.Shuyler@state.or.us, or via fax at (503) 378-4597. Telephone comments will not be accepted.
Public Hearing on Sauvie Island Boating Regulation Proposal Set For June 20 in Portland
A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 20, in Portland on proposed boating regulation changes on the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. The meeting is at 7 p.m. in the State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St, Room 140 B.
The proposed regulations would do the following:
- Close the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area in Columbia and Multnomah counties to all boating during the period of Oct. 1 - April. 15, except by valid hunting permit during authorized waterfowl season;
- Close Sauvie Island Wildlife Area to all boating from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. during the remainder of the year;
- Limit motorboats using the waters of Sauvie Island to slow-no wake, 5 mph.
The request affects the Gilbert River from a point 100 feet upstream of the Gilbert River dock, Cunningham Slough, Sturgeon Lake and other waters of the wildlife area. The restrictions are requested to protect wintering waterfowl and meet the objectives of the Northwest Oregon/Southwest Washington Canada Goose Agriculture Depredation Control Program.
The Marine Board will consider the rules at the Tuesday, July 10, Marine Board meeting in Newport. Written comments must be received by Friday, June 29. Comments may be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to the board, or given verbally or in writing at the public hearing. Written comments may be delivered to: Wayne Shuyler, OSMB, PO Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309; via e-mail to Wayne.Shuyler@state.or.us, or via fax at (503) 378-4597. Telephone comments will not be accepted.
Marine Board Considers Grant Requests
The Oregon State Marine Board will meet via conference call on Monday, June 18, 11 a.m. to consider three boating facility project funding requests.
The projects include the City of Lebanon Gill Landing restroom project, Yamhill County Rogers Landing parking and access road project, and the Rocky Pointe pumpout and float project.
To participate in the conference call, contact Jill Andrick at (503) 373-1405 x243 by 9 a.m., Monday, June 18.
Public Comment Period Opens for Olalla, Roslyn Boat Regulation
The public comment period for a proposed motor prohibition on Roslyn Lake in Clackamas County, and Olalla Lake in Lincoln County, will run July 1-31. The proposal would bring state statute in line with current landowner rules and would have no functional affect on boating activities.
The proposals would prohibit motors on both lakes. Roslyn Lake is owned and operated by the Portland General Electric Corporation. The lake is currently posted by PGE as closed to motors. Ollala Lake is owned and operated by the Georgia Pacific Corporation. The lake is currently posted by Georgia Pacific as closed to motors. The purpose of the proposed regulations is to protect the earthen dams from damage that may be caused by boat wakes.
Written comments must be received by July 31. Comments may be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to the board, or given verbally or in writing at the public hearing. Written comments may be delivered to: Wayne Shuyler, OSMB, PO Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309; via e-mail to Wayne.Shuyler@state.or.us, or via fax at (503) 378-4597. Telephone comments will not be accepted.
