From Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue:
Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue, along with Rockaway Beach Fire and Cannon Beach Fire, has responded to three fatal water incidents in the past two weeks, and to several more rescues that could have ended tragically.
Please remember that our beautiful beaches can also be deadly. Never turn your back on the water. Keep an extra eye out for the children.
Be aware. Stay safe.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Every time, yes, every time I visit a beach I witness unsafe behavior that usually involves children without life jackets on and with adults way too far away to attempt rescue, AND often (again almost always) swimming/playing in an area that’s a rip tide. Do not allow your children to play in any body of water without wearing a flotation device. There are life jackets stations at many of our local lakes and rivers. Keep your children close when they are in the water, even with a life jacket on. It happens in seconds. And as adults, do not underestimate the cold water temperatures, tides and currents. Please, please be safe out there.
The Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Office of Emergency Management are teaming up to remind the public to play it safe in and around water. An increase in water-based recreation activities is expected this weekend with the National Weather Service issuing an Excessive Heat Watch for Friday afternoon through Monday evening.
There are inherent risks recreating on the water. Different skills are needed for operating motorized boats and paddling in nonmotorized boats, like kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. There are also risks when swimming in lakes and rivers. The greatest threat is to individuals who are attempting water recreation activities that do not match their skill and experience levels.
“We are seeing an increase in search missions on the water, and unfortunately, most of those are recovery missions. It’s really important for people to understand their limitations and to always wear a life jacket,” said State Search and Rescue Coordinator Scott Lucas.
The Oregon State Marine Board is Oregon’s recreational boating agency, serving recreational boaters through education, enforcement access, and environmental stewardship.
“Never leave the shore or dock without first knowing the rules and how to be safe,” says OSMB Public Information Officer Ashley Massey. “When recreating on the water, it’s important to wear a life jacket; take a boating safety class; carry all required safety gear; use the engine cutoff switch; file a float plan; be aware of weather and water conditions, always boat sober and be considerate of others.”
Learn more about being safe on the water by visiting the Oregon State Marine Board at https://www.oregon.gov/…/Pages/Safety-and-Education.aspx