PORTLAND, Oregon — Summer has officially commenced in Portland, and that means the city's outdoor pools are back open.
The Ida B. Wells-Barnett pool in Southwest Portland was packed for much of Thursday, reaching its capacity of 200 people.
“I have a 9-year-old who is dying to go to the pool," said Shannon Johnson, who spent the day at the pool with her son. "So that’s why we are here. He woke up this morning and said, 'Get my goggles, get my towel,' and here we are."
Portland has six outdoor pools spread across the city, located in these neighborhoods: Creston, Grant, Montavilla, Peninsula, Pier and Sellwood.
Ingrid Beaver brought her 8-year-old son Leo to the pool. Beaver told KGW that Leo had been visiting the pool’s website daily to see when it would open for the season.
“We just love going swimming and being outside and getting slushies and popcorn," Beaver explained. "It’s totally what the pool and summer is all about."
High Rocks Park in Gladstone also saw large crowds on Thursday. But AMR’s River Rescue wants people to know that despite the hot weather, the water at High Rocks is still very cold.
“Just because it’s warm out doesn’t mean that water is warm yet," said Zach Green, Program Coordinator with AMR River Rescue. "It’s still very cold in the water. People do need to be aware of things like cold shock can really impede your motor function when you first get in the water; it can lead to people to not be able to move, not be able to swim effectively, and can lead to drowning pretty quickly."
Green told KGW that rescue crews have already assisted about a dozen people out of the water at High Rocks since Memorial Day weekend. Green said it’s best to avoid alcohol, keep an eye on young children and to always wear a life jacket, especially in dangerous locations like High Rocks.
“Lifeguards are posted here for a reason; it’s because it’s a dangerous section of river," he added. "Lifeguards aren’t posted at most parks, so us being here means it’s a dangerous section of river, and it’s important for people to remember that.”
AMR River Rescue teams will patrol High Rocks Park daily through Labor Day weekend.