Oregon River Rescuers Busy Over Weekend

Clackamas County Deputies Join Forces With Oregon State Police On The Clackamas River‏.

Photos: Jim Strovink / Clackamas County Sheriff

(CLACKAMAS, Ore.) - Clackamas County Sheriff's Marine Patrol and Oregon State Police Fish & Game Officers joined forces over the weekend focusing enhanced enforcement on the Clackamas River.

On Saturday, July 25, 2009, between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. five Oregon State Police Troopers and ten Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine personnel focused attention on the Clackamas River – between Barton and Carver.

As a result of this strict and enhanced enforcement effort no swimming related injuries were reported; although, a significant number of citations were issued - with the expectation this enforcement action will help make the river a safer place for all, and a more comfortable waterway to recreate safely with family.

As a result of this combined enhanced patrol conducted by Clackamas County Sheriff's Marine Patrol and Oregon State Police, the following citations were issued:

• 117 citations were issued for no personal floatation device. This is a $242.00 (bail) citation.

• 2 minor in possession citations. These are $200 each.

• 4 citations were issued for possession of marijuana – less than one ounce. $1,000 each.

• 1 boating under the influence citation. $7,500.00

Also, Saturday on the Sandy River, just below Dodge Park two men with 25-years of expressed rafting and canoeing experience were very fortunate.

These two men read on line that the Sandy River was a "popular beginners run". Following safe advice from their wives, both men were wearing their personal floatation devices (lifejackets) when they put their canoe into the Sandy River at Dodge Park. About 300-yards down river from Dodge Park, the duo tipped the canoe over after encountering some undesirable sideway activity in the rapids. When Marine Rescue arrived, one subject was clinging to a rock in the middle of the river; while the other was able to successfully swim to shore. Marine rescue responded and a rope was tossed to the remaining subject clinging to a rock in the middle of the river. This man was pulled to shore safely. He had suffered only minor bruising, but was otherwise in good condition. The intended destination of these two canoeists was Oxbow Park. This one incident serves as a superb example demonsrating how lifejackets do the job they are designed to do – keep you afloat and save your life. The attached photos of the canoe in the Sandy River, are provided courtesy of Deputy Scott Napoli, of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.