‘A joy yet a threat’: How Portland Fire and Rescue is preparing to save swimmers in distress this summer

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Nine bodies have been pulled out of the Willamette and Clackamas rivers this year and rescue teams anticipate rescuing and recovering dozens more by the end of the year.

KOIN 6 took a plunge in the water with the supervision of Portland Fire and Rescue to show how to stay safe this summer. That includes demonstrating how rescuers save people from drowning and sharing tips on how to prevent unnecessary deaths.

“This waterway is a – is a joy yet a threat,” said PF&R Public Information Office Rick Graves.

Every year, an average of 40 Oregonians die from drowning in natural water like the Willamette River. Boating, fishing and swimming are all great activities to do on Oregon’s waters over the summer but they can become deadly.

“We get marine calls so frequently. You know, we will respond to what is perceived to be somebody in the water, will respond to people who might be on the edge of the bridge, appearing as if they’re going to jump so our response, submarine response, is very, very frequent,” said Graves. 

Drowning is the leading cause of death of children four and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The City of Portland said two-thirds of those deaths happen between May and August.

“There’s an emotional component to our job, right? Like we see things that most of the public don’t see,” Graves said.

Last year in Oregon, 19 people died boating, according to the Oregon State Marine Board. They said it is likely that 16 of the victims would have survived their incidents had they worn a life jacket.

“Accidents can happen at any time, and we want people to be wearing their life jackets at all times so we don’t have to encounter these, these traumatic situations in the water,” Graves explained. 

The Portland Fire and Rescue teams are out on these waters saving people all year long. To be prepared, they train.

KOIN 6 News Reporter Ariel Salk slid into the cold, 60-degree Willamette River, taking a moment to catch her breath, then distanced herself from the PF&R team before it was time for them to demonstrate their practice by pulling her back onto the boat.

Portland Fire’s advice is that if you are in the water without a life jacket and can’t make it to shore, don’t panic while you wait to be rescued. That’s exactly what Ariel Salk tried, lying still in the water as the rescuers brought her back onto the boat.

“If you take a large breath in and hold your breath and just hang, you can even hang with your face in the water and just relax. You’re not active. You’ll actually maintain buoyancy,” said Graves. 

So when you’re out having fun, don’t forget to wear a life jacket, don’t turn your back on the water and keep an eye on children.