TROUTDALE, Oregon — With summer around the corner, first responders are gearing up to protect those enjoying the outdoors, such as popular swimming spots on the Sandy River.
"The water is actually quite fast, the water is cold, there are steep drop-offs, it's pretty easy to get swept off your feet," said Lt. Jasmine Zimmer-Stuckey with the Corbett Fire District.
On Thursday, Corbett Fire joined members of the Gresham Fire Department Water Rescue Team, American Medical Response, and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office dive team. They gathered at Dabney State Park in Troutdale to discuss water safety.
Crews noted a big part of keeping people safe hinges on preventative efforts. Two years ago, AMR and Corbett Fire started putting more than a hundred life jackets around Glenn Otto, Lewis and Clark and Dabney parks for people to use.
"These life jacket programs save lives. Grab one, put it on, and when you're headed out, just drop it back on for the next person to use," Zimmer-Stuckey said.
During Memorial Day weekend, lifeguards with AMR will resume their summertime posts at Glenn Otto Park and High Rocks Park in Gladstone.
There were no drowning deaths in park areas on the Sandy River in 2023, according to first responders. They said that was an especially big relief after the year before when several people died. They said that season was a big wakeup call and changed how the community viewed water safety.
"It helps us do our job," said Cpt. Travis Soles with the Gresham Fire Department. "People pause for a minute, they think, they make better decisions."
Each department features unique water rescue equipment that they deploy during rescues. Gresham Fire has what they described as a modified wave runner. It has an aluminum hull which Soles said helps it function like a small jet boat.
"It enables us to gain access to the Sandy River year-around. Even with the water is less than 9 feet deep," Soles said.
Corbett Fire has a drone equipped with thermal imaging to spot swimmers, boaters and hikers at night. It can also deliver life jackets to swimmers.
"Everyone has a really important role to play, and when we come out here, we understand how all the pieces get put together to have a successful rescue," Zimmer-Stuckey said.
