PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland area may see its first 90-degree day of the year on Friday. It may have some people thinking about flocking to local rivers and lakes, but the water will still be very cold despite the sunny skies and near-record temperatures.
The cold water can be a shock to a person's system and become dangerous. The water's low temperatures can induce a "cold shock," health experts said, in which sudden immersion causes the body to gasp, hyperventilate, lose motor control and potentially drown.
“People don’t always realize that even when the air has warmed up, the glacier-fed rivers around here can still be dangerously cold,” said Metro Parks and Nature Director Jon Blasher. “That’s why it’s so important to understand the risks of natural water and to take proper safety precautions.”
Experts said any water under 60 degrees can induce cold water shock.
As of Thursday afternoon, the US Geological Survey's National Water Dashboard listed the following temperatures at Portland-area monitoring stations:
- Willamette River in downtown Portland: 52 degrees
- Columbia River at Bonneville Dam: 54 degrees
- Little Sandy River near Bull Run: 49 degrees
- Tualatin River near West Linn: 55 degrees
- Clackamas River in Oregon City: 50 degrees
Apart from the cold water, the currents are stronger this time of year, and the swift running water can increase the risk of drowning.
Lifeguards are also not yet operating at popular swimming spots in the area. AMR's River Rescue team said they'll be at both High Rocks in Gladstone and Glenn Otto Park in Troutdale, beginning Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 25.
When the water temperatures warm up later this summer and it's safer to swim in area rivers, people should still watch for hazards like debris, strong currents and sudden drop-offs. Life jackets are also available for free at all Metro Parks boat ramps and parks with water access:
- Blue Lake Regional Park: Life jackets located near swim beach
- Chinook Landing Marine Park: Life jackets located at the top of boat ramp
- Farmington Paddle Launch
- M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp: Life jackets located at the top of boat ramp
- Oxbow Regional Park: Life jackets located at the top of boat launch and at multiple other locations
- Sauvie Island Boat Ramp: Life jackets located at the top of boat ramp