Back-to-back water rescues highlight ‘unpredictable’ currents on Willamette River

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two water rescues that occurred back-to-back on Saturday near the same area of the Willamette River in Albany highlight the “unpredictable” nature of river currents, first responders said.

The water rescues happened just hours apart near the same fast-moving area of the river, in Monteith Park. In each case, people became stranded in a swift current and were unable to climb back ashore due, in part, to overgrown vegetation on the riverbank.

Thanks to the quick response of the Albany Fire Department and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol, there were no serious injuries and both rescues were successful.

The first water rescue happened just before 2 p.m. on Saturday and the second rescue occurred just before 4:30 p.m.

“In both incidents, rescuers located individuals clinging to dense brush along the riverbank, unable to return to shore safely due to strong currents and overgrown vegetation,” the Albany Fire Department said in a press release. “Crews navigated swift, debris-filled water to reach the individuals and successfully brought them to safety using rescue boats.”

The rescued individuals were assessed by paramedics and were later released after the evaluation found no serious injuries.

The Albany Fire Department said recreating in the Willamette River during the late summer can be dangerous because water levels drop, exposing formerly hidden hazards. Currents are often strong and can change at a moment’s notice, with thick brush along the bank easily trapping or injuring people.

“Rivers can be unpredictable, even for experienced swimmers,” said Battalion Chief Mark Bernt. “What may appear calm on the surface can hide strong currents or entrapment hazards beneath.”

Fire and law enforcement officials recommend never recreating alone, staying sober when in and around water, using dedicated river access points, always wearing a life jacket, avoiding areas with swift currents, scouting routes in advance and not using inflatable swimming pool tubes to float in the river.