26-05-2025
AMR lifeguards talk water safety tips as Oregon weather heats up
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — With Memorial Day weekend and warmer weather on the rise, hundreds of people are heading to Oregon lakes, rivers and beaches, taking advantage of what's here.
'I have grown up in cities, but it's nice to be able to easily just step out in nature and sit here in the quiet and look at everything,' said community member Epiphany Seda. 'I'm hearing the birds chirping now, so it's nice to relax.'
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But since our waters can be deadly, lifeguards with the American Medical Response's River Rescue Program are actively working to keep people safe while having fun.
'What we see often is people either underestimating the strength of the current or overestimating their own ability,' said program coordinator Zach Green. 'And that can also lead to them being in a tricky position.'
This is the 26th year since the program launched, saving nearly 100 people a year at locations like Glen Otto Park and High Rocks Park on the Clackamas River.
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Every year, an average of 40 Oregonians die from drowning in our rivers and lakes like the Willamette River. The city of Portland says two-thirds of those deaths happen between May and August.
Further, the Oregon State Marine Board notes all most of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. Green echoed this observation.
'The biggest thing that we see get people in trouble the rivers is not wearing a life jacket,' he said. 'That's the best way to prevent getting into getting into sticky situations.'
Green stressed that if you do find yourself in trouble in the water, remain calm, then try to float on your back to conserve energy before swimming to shore.
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