TROUTDALE, Ore. — The AMR River Rescue Team is gearing up for the warm weather in Portland, knowing that Memorial Day weekend will be prime time for people wanting to have fun by the water.
They will start having lifeguards on duty at Glenn Otto and High Rocks Parks to keep people safe.
"We just got done with two weeks of academy, and it's super rigorous training," said Clara Dewitt, one of the 23 lifeguards. "I am super confident and excited for this season to play out."
The team is made up of 23 lifeguards who are also EMTs. Zachary Green, the AMR River Rescue Program Coordinator, said that since starting AMR, they have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of drownings at these parks.
"Historically, both of these parks had a fairly significant rate of drowning," said Green. "Since our program has started at both of these parks, we've seen that drowning rate decrease significantly."
Last year, the AMR River Rescue team assisted 75 swimmers between the two parks with no fatal drownings.
The team of lifeguards is also there to educate people on ways to stay safe in the water, plus remind park guests to utilize their life jacket stations.
"Our Oregon rivers are super hazardous," warned Dewitt. "Always wear a life jacket, swim with a buddy and make sure someone knows where you are at all the times."
AMR Southwest Washington and Safe Kids Clark County provide life jackets at popular local waterways for those who need one. These life jacket loaner stations are at Marine Park on the Columbia River, Klineline Pond in Salmon Creek, and at Lewisville Regional Park outside of Battle Ground.