With temperatures rising this week, many residents will visit local rivers, streams, and lakes in Multnomah County. Commissioner Lori Stegmann, who was deeply affected by the multiple tragedies along those waterways this summer, recognized the need for additional life jackets.
Stegmann partnered with local adventure retailer, Next Adventure, to provide nearly 60 much needed life jackets in various sizes for riverside safety kiosks. The kiosks are provided through the Oregon State Marine Board and monitored through local partnership with agencies such as Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol.
“Community members need to cool off and visiting our rivers and streams is one way to do that.” Stegmann said, “The funds from my office are intended to support our communities and given the multiple tragedies we have had this year compounded by another heat wave, this was exactly what we needed to do.”
Stegmann also produced a video service announcement to highlight the importance of wearing a life jacket along local waterways. The PSA is paired with a new water safety page on the Multnomah County website and resources such as a map to find local life jacket kiosks.
“When it’s hot our rivers offer much needed respite,” says Stegmann “but everyone must be aware of swift currents, cool water temperatures, hidden hazards, and uneven bottom surfaces; and always wear your life jacket.”
The life jackets will be distributed to local river kiosks starting Wednesday by MCSO River Patrol.
There are several ways to support life saving efforts along local waterways. Organizations like the Nautical Safety Foundation make sure kiosks along the rivers stay stocked with this critical equipment. Interested parties can donate directly to the NSF through their website at: https://www.nsf-nw.org/donate/
You can also check out Help for When it’s Hot for more information on where to Swim and Splash safely.