News Release from: Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue
TVF&R'S WATER RESCUE TEAM RESPONDS TO WEEKEND INCIDENTS; DISTRICT ISSUES SAFETY TIPS
Posted: May 14th, 2012 10:58 AM
TVF&R's Water Rescue Team assisted in two rescues over the weekend. The first incident occurred late Friday night when the team rescued an adult male adrift on the upper Willamette River above the falls with no paddles and unable to get to shore. The second incident involved three people who were rescued Saturday afternoon after their inflatable raft capsized in the rapids. The victims, who were wearing life jackets, were able to swim to a nearby island and call 9-1-1.
With hot temperatures expected to continue throughout the week, TVF&R reminds those planning to be on local rivers and lakes to use extreme caution. TVF&R Public Information Officer Karen Eubanks states, "A big concern this early in the year is boaters or swimmers ending up in the water for an extended length of time." The temperature of local rivers is currently only about 50 degrees and loss of body heat (hypothermia) can affect your nervous system and your muscles, making it difficult to swim or stay afloat. In addition, a sudden, plunge into cold water may trigger an involuntary â€~gasp response' drawing water into the lungs.
Safety Tips from TVF&R's Water Rescue Team
ï,§ Never swim alone and always supervise children.
ï,§ Young children should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket (pillow and handle-type); Adults should have or wear an approved life jacket when boating or fishing. A life jacket keeps your head above water and can help conserve body heat by floating, rather than swimming.
ï,§ Avoid alcohol and drugs.
ï,§ Know your swimming limits and keep an eye on weaker swimmers. Take frequent breaks.
ï,§ Be aware of currents, changing waves, and undertows.
ï,§ Don't dive in shallow water or in unfamiliar areas.
ï,§ Have a cell phone in case of an emergency.
ï,§ If you end up in the water, hang on to your boat. This will help keep your head above water and may help conserve body heat if you can pull yourself partially out of the water.
If You See or Hear Someone in Trouble
ï,§ Call 911 immediately - time is of the essence.
ï,§ Try to throw the victim a flotation device, but don't become a victim yourself.
ï,§ Use landmarks to determine where you last saw the victim and where you are standing so you can take rescue crews back to the site.
ï,§ Take notice of the victim's clothing.
ï,§ Encourage other bystanders to stay on scene.
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