Date: Friday, Sept. 7, 2001

For Immediate Release

Anglers Note: Coastal River Bars Require Extra Caution

The Columbia River bar – that tumultuous point where the west's largest river meets the Pacific Ocean – has again shown its lethal unpredictability. Three boaters died Sept. 2 when their two boats were hit – just hours apart – by unexpected breaking swells near the north jetty. None of the victims was wearing a life jacket.

"The same situation can occur on any coastal bar," said Randy Henry, of the Oregon State Marine Board. "We've lost 12 other boaters in similar situations up and down the coast since 1998. With the large salmon returns coming in this fall, we fear more boaters could be harmed."

Technically, the two accidents Sept. 2 occurred in Washington waters off Peacock Spit on the north side of the Columbia River mouth. "As incoming swells shift with the wind, or as tides change, large breakers come out of nowhere," said Henry. "We don't want to discourage boaters from going fishing, but it is critical that they avoid dangerous areas and be prepared." Henry suggests the following basic measures:

1. Wear the life jacket. It's nearly impossible to find and put one on after the boat has capsized or swamped. The jacket will also guard against hypothermia and will provide protection against sharp rocks and pounding surf. It greatly increases the odds of being rescued.
2. Know local hazards. Purchase appropriate charts, talk to local boaters or check with the Coast Guard. Avoid submerged jetties, reefs or sandbars.
3. Carry a VHF marine radio or cell phone, and visual distress signals. If your motor stalls, you may only have a few minutes before currents or wind push you into surf or other hazards. The Coast Guard requires boats to carry appropriate visual distress signals when in marine waters. A VHF radio provides instant communication to the Coast Guard and is preferred over a cell phone, but cell phones can be effective, too.
4. Carry a good anchor with plenty of line. If your motor stalls, it will keep you from drifting into surf or other hazards.
5. Avoid the mouth of any river on an ebb tide. Swells can begin to break unexpectedly.
   
6. Know your limits. Due to changes in weather and tides, water conditions can go from mild to rough in a short time. Small boats are more vulnerable. Overloaded boats or boats with little freeboard are unstable and more vulnerable. Make sure your motor is running well and your craft is in good shape.

More coastal boating information, as well as a listing of hazard areas and safety information on all coastal bars, is available on line at www.boatoregon.com. The booklet, "Boating in Oregon Coastal Waters" is available free on request by calling (503) 378-8587.