For Immediate Release

Date: August 13, 2004

Casual Water Recreation Requires Safety, Too

Oregonians flock to cool rivers and lakes this time of year to escape the heat. Unfortunately, the casual, relaxing float on an inner tube, pool toy or small raft is proving to be dangerous – even fatal – to too many people.

“It’s this casual recreation that can be so dangerous,” says Tony VanMeter, law enforcement training coordinator for the Oregon State Marine Board. “We’ve lost two lives in two days in Lane County alone, with numerous reports of other accidents around the state. People really need to think before they float.”

The Marine Board strongly urges people to wear a life jacket when floating a river. “And they should absolutely leave the alcohol at home,” says VanMeter. “When you’re riding one of these devices, you’re just inches off the water and just one bump away from being in the water. It’s quite a shock to be plunged into 55 degree water on a hot day. You’re not going to be able to tread water very long.”

The worst problems statewide are in high-population areas near white water rivers, such as Lane, Clackamas, Deschutes, Josephine and Jackson counties. “You should know the river, too, before you launch,” says VanMeter. “Whitewater looks a lot bigger when you’re in the middle of it, and these small craft just aren’t made for that.”

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