Oregon sees at least 16 recreational drownings across the state since June

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — At least 16 people have drowned while enjoying Oregon’s natural waterways since June 1, according to data provided by sheriffs’ offices across the state.

However, the true number is likely higher as more deaths have occurred in Oregon waterways not patrolled by local sheriff’s offices. The Oregon State Marine Board recorded 10 boating deaths in June and at least four additional deaths in July.

Oregon State Marine Board spokesperson Ashley Massey told KOIN 6 News that many of these deaths involved victims who were not wearing life jackets. However, it’s unclear at this time how many of these deaths were officially ruled as drownings. 

One of the deaths recorded by the OSMB, for example, involved a 24-year-old woman who was hit by a boat while being towed on an inner tube near Hawthorne Bridge in Portland. The woman later died at the hospital from her injuries. Another boating accident that occurred near the mouth of the Columbia River on July 13 killed one man and caused a second man and an 11-year-old boy to go missing The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for the missing boaters.

“There have been four fatal incidents so far this month,” Massey said. “We are awaiting official reports from our marine law enforcement partners. For the Columbia River Bar incident, the investigation is being led by the U.S. Coast Guard with three fatalities from one vessel. The other fatality was on the Willamette River near the confluence of Mary’s River in Corvallis involving a stand-up paddleboard.”

Of the 16 recreational drownings recorded by sheriff’s offices in Oregon since June 1, three occurred in Curry County — the most recorded by any sheriff’s office in the state during this period. Two of these drownings occurred in the same location on the Rogue River within a 10-day period, Curry County Sheriff John Ward told KOIN 6 News.

Since June 1, Clackamas, Josephine, Polk and Tillamook counties each recorded two accidental drownings in natural waterways. Individual drownings were also recorded in Columbia, Lane, Marion, Washington and Wheeler counties.

Two drownings also likely occurred in Clatsop County in July, Clatsop County Sheriff's Office Lt. Matt Armstrong told KOIN 6 News. However, the official cause of these deaths has not been determined -- the Oregon State Marine Board was not able to provide any recreational drowning data for July. The board also recorded six drownings involving boaters in June.

The Oregon State Marine Board records annual data for accidental drownings in natural bodies of water. While data is not yet available for 2023, the OSMB offers data dating back to 2017.

Accidental Drownings in Natural Bodies of Water in Oregon by Year:

• 2022 - 27
• 2021 - 57
• 2020 - 35
• 2019 - 31
• 2018 - 36
• 2017 - 30

Oregon Metro encourages anyone enjoying recreational activities on a natural body of water to wear a life jacket.

“When the weather heats up, many people like to head to a Metro park or boat ramp to cool off,” Oregon Metro’s website states. “However, it’s important to remember that the rivers and lakes in and around Metro parks and natural areas are wild bodies of water. Unlike swimming pools, these waters can have currents, underwater hazards, and dramatic temperature variations.” 

Oregon Metro offers the following safety tips for enjoying natural waterways:

• Always wear a life jacket and make sure it fits properly.
• Go with a buddy, even if you are an experienced swimmer.
• Keep a close eye on children in the water at all times.
• Know the risks of natural bodies of water.
• Swim and boat sober.

Fitting your life jacket

• Life jackets come in different sizes. Check the label for height and weight requirements.
• Life jackets for infants and children include a collar and leg strap. Water wings and other inflatable devices will not keep you safe in natural water.
• Remember to "zip, click, pull": Make sure all zippers and clips are fastened. Pull straps tight.
• Pull the jacket up at your shoulders. If it slides up to your ears, it's too big. If it stays tight, you are ready for the water.