Water safety heroes this week

https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2025/11/a-sailor-fell-overboard-into-the-columbia-river-the-actions-of-2-strangers-saved-his-life.html

As Portlanders, it’s hard to stay away from the water no matter what time of year. And that’s why water safety is at the core of our communities, from every angle.

The real time water safety tips here are 100% SPOT ON. Thank you Sheriff O’Donnell and Deputy Deekman for bringing whole community awareness to the importance of water safety in our rivers. Thank you 911 Dispatcher Campbell for stewarding the call for assistance. Thank you Solomon Florea for knowing what to do, acting quickly and sticking with it, to help a neighbor in danger in the water.

Please watch this news coverage and listen carefully to what first responders value most.

1. Know where you are. Pay attention to your surroundings, engage situational awareness. This week, the water in the Columbia at Portland is about 50F and currents are strong. This means a person who falls in the water may have less than 15 minutes before hypothermia begins to set in.

2. Use the buddy system. Recognize when someone needs help in the water, and be able to act quickly.

3. When preparing for the water, go beyond the minimum. In addition to your lifejacket and whistle, wear a drysuit (or wetsuit) and carry a communication device & light source in a waterproof bag.

4. Keep calm, pay attention, breathe.