For Immediate Release

Date: Jan. 16, 2004

• Storm Debris a Hazard for Boaters
• Boater Education Opportunities Good Now
• Depoe Bay Marine Fuel Funding Approved
• Boating Deaths Up Slightly in 2003

Storm Debris a Hazard for Boaters

Recent severe weather has tumbled trees into many rivers in western Oregon, creating hazards for unsuspecting boaters seeking challenging white water or winter steelhead.

"We're asking boaters to be especially cautious, whether you run a kayak, raft, canoe, drift boat or motorized craft," said Randy Henry, information representative for the Oregon State Marine Board. "The heavy snow and ice brought entire trees down on many rivers, including the McKenzie, Rogue and Umpqua rivers. It's likely that other rivers have similar hazards awaiting boaters."

Marine officers have authority to remove trees that pose a hazard to boaters on navigable rivers. "We recognize that these trees also represent important fish habitat, so when officers encounter a problem, they contact the appropriate land manager or local biologist to resolve the problem in a fish-friendly manner," said Henry.

Henry strongly urges boaters to scout rapids and river bends before committing. "If you get trapped against a fallen tree, your boat will likely swamp and you could face grave peril," said Henry. "Be sure to wear your life jacket, scout the river and report any problems to your local county sheriff or the Marine Board."

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Boater Education Opportunities Good Now

If you are 40 or younger and plan to operate a powerboat this year, make sure you have your boater education card. "It's 2004 so the 40-and-younger age requirement is official," says Ashley Massey, Mandatory Boater Education Coordinator for the Oregon State Marine Board. "We have a number of classes statewide, so now is the time to take a course before the spring boating rush."

2004 is the second year of the Mandatory Boater Education law phase-in. In 2005, the age requirement to carry a card will increase to 45 and younger. It will continue to increase until all boaters are included in 2009. The law was passed by the 1999 Oregon Legislature with the goal of reducing accidents, injuries and fatalities on Oregon's increasingly crowded waterways. More than 66,000 Oregon boaters already have their card.

Classes are available in most counties statewide, says Massey. "This is prime time. Our partners are all offering classes from now through the spring. We have a full listing on our website at www.boatoregon.com, or you can call us at (503) 378-8587." Massey recommends classroom courses because they are fun, interactive and offer the best overall education. Internet courses are also offered by the Marine Board and are recommended for people who don't have nearby classes or can't fit one into their schedule.

Experienced boaters may opt for the equivalency exams offered by county marine officers. Whichever you choose, full information and links are available on the Marine Board website.

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Depoe Bay Marine Fuel Funding Approved

The Oregon State Marine Board approved $125,000 in funding toward a new marine fuel station at Depoe Bay and $237,500 to replace a boat ramp near West Linn. The decisions came during the board's regular meeting held in Portland on Friday, January 9.

The City of Depoe Bay requested funds to construct a new 6,000-gallon marine fuel station at Depoe Bay Harbor. The station will hold 2,000 gallons of gasoline and 4,000 gallons of diesel. The request came because the harbor's only fuel station, which was privately owned, was at the end of its useful life and was permanently closed by the owner. Lack of a fuel station created an emergency need for the funding of the new station. The board agreed that the need was crucial and voted unanimously to fund the project.

The Bernert Landing project at West Linn was originally approved in June of 2003. The original project was for a one-lane ramp and boarding floats. However, Marine Board staff determined during design studies that a one-lane ramp was totally inadequate for the busy and popular site. Thus the City of West Linn, upon advice from the Marine Board, sought the $237,500 grant increase to replace the aging ramp with a two-lane launch ramp and add a transient tie-up facility. A portion of the funding is from the federal Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and will be used to incorporate replacement of the transient tie-up at Bernert Landing.

In addition to these two projects, the Marine Board's Facility Grant Program has approved 46 projects and obligated $1,583,656 in facility grant funds, $560,500 in Clean Vessel Act funds, and $1,630,650 in BIG funds since July 2003. For a listing of projects underway, check the Marine Board website at www.boatoregon.com. (check here)

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Boating Deaths Up Slightly in 2003

The number of recreational boating deaths was up slightly in 2003 over recent years, with 18 fatalities occurring on the state's waters, according to Marty Law, Education Program Manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. "One reason for the increase was the abundant salmon returns drawing many boaters to coastal waters. One third of our accidents occurred on the ocean or at coastal bars."

Of the 18 fatalities, fourteen victims were not wearing life jackets. "This number again demonstrates how effective life jackets are at saving lives," said Law. "The four victims wearing life jackets were in the ocean and in whitewater rivers. Fatalities in these conditions are generally related to trauma, hypothermia or exposure. While they're not a guarantee, life jackets drastically improve your odds of survival in whitewater and ocean conditions because they slow the onset of hypothermia, increase your odds of rescue and help protect against sharp rocks."

Eight of the 18 fatalities involved manually powered boats. "This is higher than the long-term 35 percent average, but may be part of a recent trend," says Law. "We saw a similar spike in 2001 when 60 percent of the fatalities were in manually powered boats," says Law. He noted that only one of the victims was wearing a life jacket this year, and that several of the fatalities apparently involved alcohol. "Most of these victims were very casual users. Drinking simply adds to the danger, especially in small, unstable boats."

Eighteen overall fatalities is above the 10 year average of 15. In 2002, there were 16 fatalities, with 14 fatalities each in 2000 and 2001. There were 20 fatalities in 1998, 19 in 1997 and 25 in 1993. The lowest recent numbers were 8 in 1996 and 9 in 1992.

"Many things can influence the fatality rate," says Law. "If we have heavy spring run-off that attracts more paddlers, we often see a spike. If we have large salmon runs or extremely good fishing conditions, we see more people head to the ocean or bays where conditions are less predictable and rescue is more difficult. Unstable weather certainly plays a part, too."

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