GASTON, Ore. -- New safety measures have been implemented at Henry Hagg Lake and Scoggins Valley Park after a Hillsboro family drowned at the lake last summer, according to Washington County.
The safety improvements have taken place over the past several months and more are to come this summer.
Here's a list of the added safety measures:
- A total of nine kiosks are now in place around the lake which can accommodate up to 170 personal flotation devices. Visitors may use PFDs on the honor system and return them at the end of the day.
- Of the nine kiosks, three are permanently placed and six are moveable. The moveable kiosks allow for relocation at the shore line as they are positioned up or down the bank when water levels change over the summer.
- Emergency throw rings are stored on each kiosk.
- "Swim Watch" wrist bands with whistles will be available at the park entrance for adults to monitor their children's water activities from shore.
- Warning signs and pictographs have been installed in some areas, urging the use of PFDs and to alert visitors to uneven drop-offs.
- On Saturday, May 23, 2015, free parking will be offered to all lake visitors who donate a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD as they enter the park. New or gently used PFDs in all sizes are needed but especially those for infants, children and older youth. The PFD drive is in cooperation with SafeKids Washington County and donations will also be accepted any time at any fire station in Washington County or at the Scoggins Valley Park Ranger Station throughout the summer season.
- A free water safety fair will be held at the lake by SafeKids partners in conjunction with the annual "I'm Hooked" free fishing event, June 6-7, 2015.
Washington County advises that all visitors wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices whenever they are in, on or near the water. Additional water safety information can be found here.
