| OSMB News |
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| For Immediate Release |
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6/3/08
Keep a Sharp Lookout -High River Flows Mean Dangerous Floating Debris
With the high river flows in the Portland/Metro area, the Oregon State Marine Board urges boaters to keep an extra-sharp lookout when boating. The Marine Board is receiving daily reports on river hazards such as log jams, downed trees, and debris accumulation along the Columbia, Clackamas, and Molalla Rivers, among others.
The Riverside Yacht Club members spent much the Memorial Day Weekend taking direct hits from passing logs. “The buffer protecting the dock was damaged, allowing debris to scatter and collide with moored boats at the East Dock on Coon Island,” said Ron Dale, Commodore for Riverside Yacht Club. “We express sincere concern for the safety of boaters using that dock as it currently stands…and the facility itself.”
There have been seven recreational boating fatalities so far in 2008 with cold, high flows contributing to several accidents. Snow melt makes the water colder than usual, making the chance of survival slim if a person cannot be rescued quickly. In all of the fatalities, none of the victims wore a life jacket. “Life jackets will keep your head above the water if you fall overboard, and when you involuntarily gasp, you’ll take in air –not water,” says Ashley Massey, Public Affairs Specialist for the Marine Board. “Wearing a life jacket is the single most important piece of equipment anyone should have when out on the water. Our waters are usually cold, and a life jacket will also help keep you warm long enough until you can be rescued,” Massey adds.
For more information about boating hazards and boating safety, visit: http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/safety/navigation_hazards.shtml and http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/safety/safety.shtml.
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