Cooling off at an Oregon river or lake? The fun can turn dangerous fast, safety experts warn

With people looking to

escape brutally hot temperatures this week

, officials warn that rivers and lakes pose significant dangers to swimmers and boaters.

Waterways in the region will remain quite cold even on hot days, increasing the risk of cold shock and drowning, according to Brian Paulsen, boating safety program manager for the Oregon State Marine Board.

“Many people underestimate the effects of cold water,” Paulsen said in a press release. “Inexperience and not being prepared for the conditions are factors leading to accidents. Planning ahead, boating with others, always keeping a sharp lookout, and wearing a properly fitted life jacket are key to staying safe.”

In Oregon, rivers and lakes are popular recreation spots in the summer months, and so

drowning cases

tend to increase in the hot season.

At least 17 people in Oregon died in boating-related drownings in 2024, according to the Oregon State Marine Board. And there have already been a number of drownings this summer.

Late last month, a

40-year-old woman fell off her paddleboard and drowned

in the Columbia River. Earlier this month, a

28-year-old Portland man drowned

in the John Day River while fishing and was swept away from the river bank by a fast current.

Officials urge people to wear life jackets, as even experienced swimmers can struggle in the current and cold. Oregon law requires children age 12 and under to wear life jackets at all times while on boats. Adults also must have a life jacket on board. Though adults aren’t legally required to wear life jackets unless they’re on extreme whitewater rapids, safety experts recommend they do so whenever out on the water.

Scott Lucas, statewide search-and-rescue coordinator for the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, said the organization has seen a rise in water rescue incidents in the past few weeks as people underestimate the dangers of being on the water.

Sudden immersion into cold water can cause cold shock, leading to involuntary gasping and rapid breathing, which increases the risk of drowning, according to the National Weather Service.

“Cold shock and hypothermia set in quickly, even for strong swimmers, and fast-moving currents make self-rescue nearly impossible,” Lucas said. “We urge everyone to plan ahead, wear a life jacket, and respect the power of cold water, it can be unforgiving.”

To stay safe, The Oregon State Marine Board advises boaters and swimmers to:

• 
  Choose a waterway that matches your skill level to avoid dangerous situations.
  
• 
  Wear a properly fitted life jacket.
  
• 
  Monitor weather forecasts, water levels and tides before heading out.
  
• 
  Be courteous to other boaters and never go out alone.
  

—Kimberly Cortez covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached at kcortez@oregonian.com

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