This is the year to end drowning and promote safer, cleaner waters
Sunrise sauna & swim
Every Friday through December! Conclude a long week with the sunrise over Mt Hood, gently welcoming the day in Portland’s only floating sauna. Feel the heat, see the fog, experience the full body benefits of a cold water dip. Fridays from 6-9a with Ebb & Ember. This rare discount is offered in partnership with WaterStrong. 3 hours for just $25.
Women’s Swim Clinic
Session #3 of 6. Share your love for the water with the fearless ladies of Pacific Refugee Support Group. Help teach basic skills in water safety and then level up to stroke development. Create friendship and camaraderie here, destroying barriers together in the water. This is a culturally appropriate women-only event where participants and volunteers wear modest body coverings, exploring the currents of cultural exchange through swimming. Volunteer slots are limited, sign up here.
Dinner at Madrina with WaterStrong
¡Están invitados! Join us for dinner at Madrina, exquisite Mexican cuisine in the heart of Portland. Madrina is more than just a restaurant—it’s a space rooted in care, culture, and community. With a mature and motherly atmosphere, Madrina offers refined Mexican cuisine in a setting that feels like home. The menu celebrates traditional flavors while embracing creativity, prepared with intention and love.
The name Madrina reflects the spirit owner Lucy De Leon hopes to cultivate: one of mentorship, empowerment, and support—especially for other Latinas. Like a true godmother, Lucy aims to uplift and guide others, using her platform to create opportunities, amplify voices, and nurture the next generation of leaders in Portland’s food scene.
At Madrina, every dish is a reflection of Lucy’s journey—from the fields to the kitchen, from daughter to leader, from dreamer to mentor. It's a place where culture is honored, where women are empowered, and where everyone is welcome to gather, share, and feel seen.
Our partner in the Willamette Week Give!Guide campaign, Lucy is generously donating a portion of dinner sales to WaterStrong. ¡Gracias Lucy!
Sunrise sauna & swim
Every Friday through December! Conclude a long week with the sunrise over Mt Hood, gently welcoming the day in Portland’s only floating sauna. Feel the heat, see the fog, experience the full body benefits of a cold water dip. Fridays from 6-9a with Ebb & Ember. This rare discount is offered in partnership with WaterStrong. 3 hours for just $25.
Adult & Pediatric First Aid CPR AED (Spanish)
Be the help before help arrives. This American Red Cross class is foundational for everyone at any age. The Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns cuts scrapes sudden illnesses head neck back injuries heat and cold emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants, children and adults. Successful candidates will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for 2 years.
Delivered in person, in English and Spanish.
Sunrise sauna & swim
Every Friday through December! Conclude a long week with the sunrise over Mt Hood, gently welcoming the day in Portland’s only floating sauna. Feel the heat, see the fog, experience the full body benefits of a cold water dip. Fridays from 6-9a with Ebb & Ember. This rare discount is offered in partnership with WaterStrong. 3 hours for just $25.
Women’s Swim Clinic
Session #4 of 6. Share your love for the water with the fearless ladies of Pacific Refugee Support Group. Help teach basic skills in water safety and then level up to stroke development. Create friendship and camaraderie here, destroying barriers together in the water. This is a culturally appropriate women-only event where participants and volunteers wear modest body coverings, exploring the currents of cultural exchange through swimming. Volunteer slots are limited, sign up here.
Sunrise sauna & swim
Every Friday through December! Conclude a long week with the sunrise over Mt Hood, gently welcoming the day in Portland’s only floating sauna. Feel the heat, see the fog, experience the full body benefits of a cold water dip. Fridays from 6-9a with Ebb & Ember. This rare discount is offered in partnership with WaterStrong. 3 hours for just $25.
Sunrise sauna & swim
Every Friday through December! Conclude a long week with the sunrise over Mt Hood, gently welcoming the day in Portland’s only floating sauna. Feel the heat, see the fog, experience the full body benefits of a cold water dip. Fridays from 6-9a with Ebb & Ember. This rare discount is offered in partnership with WaterStrong. 3 hours for just $25.
Women’s Swim Clinic
Session #5 of 6. Share your love for the water with the fearless ladies of Pacific Refugee Support Group. Help teach basic skills in water safety and then level up to stroke development. Create friendship and camaraderie here, destroying barriers together in the water. This is a culturally appropriate women-only event where participants and volunteers wear modest body coverings, exploring the currents of cultural exchange through swimming. Volunteer slots are limited, sign up here.
Sunrise sauna & swim
Every Friday through December! Conclude a long week with the sunrise over Mt Hood, gently welcoming the day in Portland’s only floating sauna. Feel the heat, see the fog, experience the full body benefits of a cold water dip. Fridays from 6-9a with Ebb & Ember. This rare discount is offered in partnership with WaterStrong. 3 hours for just $25.
Adult & Pediatric First Aid CPR AED
Be the help before help arrives. This American Red Cross class is foundational for everyone at any age. The Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns cuts scrapes sudden illnesses head neck back injuries heat and cold emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants, children and adults. Successful candidates will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for 2 years.
Delivered in person, in English and Spanish.
This American Red Cross class is foundational for everyone in community. Be the help before help arrives.
The Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns cuts scrapes sudden illnesses head neck back injuries heat and cold emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age - adults (about 12 years and older) and pediatric (infants and children up to 12 years of age). Successful candidates will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for 2 years.
Delivered in person or blended learning formats, in English and Spanish.
Email to book a private group class: dena@waterstrong.org
Dinner at Madrina with WaterStrong
¡Están invitados! Join us for dinner at Madrina, exquisite Mexican cuisine in the heart of Portland. Madrina is more than just a restaurant—it’s a space rooted in care, culture, and community. With a mature and motherly atmosphere, Madrina offers refined Mexican cuisine in a setting that feels like home. The menu celebrates traditional flavors while embracing creativity, prepared with intention and love.
The name Madrina reflects the spirit owner Lucy De Leon hopes to cultivate: one of mentorship, empowerment, and support—especially for other Latinas. Like a true godmother, Lucy aims to uplift and guide others, using her platform to create opportunities, amplify voices, and nurture the next generation of leaders in Portland’s food scene.
At Madrina, every dish is a reflection of Lucy’s journey—from the fields to the kitchen, from daughter to leader, from dreamer to mentor. It's a place where culture is honored, where women are empowered, and where everyone is welcome to gather, share, and feel seen.
Our partner in the Willamette Week Give!Guide campaign, Lucy is generously donating a portion of dinner sales to WaterStrong. ¡Gracias Lucy!
Sunrise sauna & swim
Every Friday through December! Conclude a long week with the sunrise over Mt Hood, gently welcoming the day in Portland’s only floating sauna. Feel the heat, see the fog, experience the full body benefits of a cold water dip. Fridays from 6-9a with Ebb & Ember. This rare discount is offered in partnership with WaterStrong. 3 hours for just $25.
Women’s Swim Clinic
Session #6 of 6. Share your love for the water with the fearless ladies of Pacific Refugee Support Group. Help teach basic skills in water safety and then level up to stroke development. Create friendship and camaraderie here, destroying barriers together in the water. This is a culturally appropriate women-only event where participants and volunteers wear modest body coverings, exploring the currents of cultural exchange through swimming. Volunteer slots are limited, sign up here.
Sunrise sauna & swim
Every Friday through December! Conclude a long week with the sunrise over Mt Hood, gently welcoming the day in Portland’s only floating sauna. Feel the heat, see the fog, experience the full body benefits of a cold water dip. Fridays from 6-9a with Ebb & Ember. This rare discount is offered in partnership with WaterStrong. 3 hours for just $25.
Adult & Pediatric First Aid CPR AED
Be the help before help arrives. This American Red Cross class is foundational for everyone at any age. The Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns cuts scrapes sudden illnesses head neck back injuries heat and cold emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants, children and adults. Successful candidates will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for 2 years.
Delivered in person, in English and Spanish.
This American Red Cross class is foundational for everyone in community. Be the help before help arrives.
The Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns cuts scrapes sudden illnesses head neck back injuries heat and cold emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age - adults (about 12 years and older) and pediatric (infants and children up to 12 years of age). Successful candidates will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for 2 years.
Delivered in person or blended learning formats, in English and Spanish.
Email to book a private group class: dena@waterstrong.org
Adult & Pediatric First Aid CPR AED
Be the help before help arrives. This American Red Cross class is foundational for everyone at any age. The Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns cuts scrapes sudden illnesses head neck back injuries heat and cold emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants, children and adults. Successful candidates will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for 2 years.
Delivered in person, in English and Spanish.
This American Red Cross class is foundational for everyone in community. Be the help before help arrives.
The Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns cuts scrapes sudden illnesses head neck back injuries heat and cold emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age - adults (about 12 years and older) and pediatric (infants and children up to 12 years of age). Successful candidates will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for 2 years.
Delivered in person or blended learning formats, in English and Spanish.
Email to book a private group class: dena@waterstrong.org
Women’s Swim Clinic
Session #2 of 6. Share your love for the water with the fearless ladies of Pacific Refugee Support Group. Help teach basic skills in water safety and then level up to stroke development. Create friendship and camaraderie here, destroying barriers together in the water. This is a culturally appropriate women-only event where participants and volunteers wear modest body coverings, exploring the currents of cultural exchange through swimming. Volunteer slots are limited, sign up here.
Women’s Swim Clinic
Session #1 of 6. Share your love for the water with the fearless ladies of Pacific Refugee Support Group. Help teach basic skills in water safety and then level up to stroke development. Create friendship and camaraderie here, destroying barriers together in the water. This is a culturally appropriate women-only event where participants and volunteers wear modest body coverings, exploring the currents of cultural exchange through swimming. Volunteer slots are limited, sign up here.
Water Safety Fair
On September 5th, WaterStrong will host Lake Day! Water Safety Fair at Blue Lake Regional Park. The event is free and open to everyone. This is our first year hosting this event, launched in partnership with AMR and a few other partners because water safety is a top priority for all of us. Unfortunately Oregon has had too many drowning incidents — more than we know, because only the fatal drownings are officially recorded. This event at Blue Lake Regional Park is important right now because of the recent drownings that occurred there and at nearby Chinook Landing on the Columbia. We have to be part of the solution — to connect people with water in empowering ways to build survival skills and situational awareness, and to provide the essential safety gear they need for the water - like lifejackets and safety whistles.
Volunteers are needed!
Blue Lake Regional Park, Troutdale OR
Saturday September 5, 2026 from 10a - 2p (8a station set-up, 9a volunteer meeting)
Free admission, ADA accessible, all ages welcome
Parking is $5, pets are not allowed
Media coverage: https://katu.com/amnw/am-northwest-lifestyle-health/water-strongs-water-safety-fair
This event will have a big impact on water safety for families, even as they get ready for school.
* Families will receive free lifejackets and safety whistles they’ll use year-round
* Everyone who comes will learn how to wear a lifejacket properly and how to blow SOS the universal signal for “help”
* Families will learn the most important safety skills for swimming, boating, and fishing - and then they can get in the water to swim, boat and explore — all there
* Families will also get in touch with nature with a wildlife biologist — take nature walks around the lake and learn about the perfectly balanced ecosystems and native habitats of Blue Lake.
Admission is free and open to everyone. This is a fundraising event for WaterStrong, donations are heartily welcomed. Every dollar supports community programs in water safety and drowning prevention. Stations include water safety education, lifejacket fitting, boating safety, angler education and fishing safety, in-water survival swim skills, in-water boating, clay art, nature walk, ambulance tour and CPR practice, meet the first responders, and more.
Every dollar supports community programs in water safety - you can save a life.
Event stations - see below to volunteer
1. WaterStrong Welcome / Registration. Sign in and pick up a scavenger hunt passport.
2. Ambulance outreach, First Aid CPR for aquatic emergencies. Tour the AMR ambulance, meet the rescue team and learn the basics of community CPR for aquatic emergencies using mannikins and training AEDs
3. Lifejacket fitting & safety whistles. Get fitted with a USCG certified lifejacket and safety whistle, learn to blow SOS the universal code for “help”
4. Water safety - first responders. Meet the AMR River Rescue team and Multnomah County River Patrol, ask questions, learn about water safety on Oregon's rivers and lakes
5. Drowning prevention outreach (Lily’s Light). Learn how ocean awareness and water safety can save a life.
6. Swim school and water safety outreach. Meet the friendly staff from Emler Swim School and Goldfish Swim School. Learn the essentials of water safety in an outdoor classroom setting, ask questions, and get ready to get in the water.
7. Essential swim skills - get in the water! For early entry swimmers, practice basic survival swim skills and water safety techniques in a shallow water environment. For intermediate and advanced swimmers, find a buddy and borrow a swim buoy for a swim into deeper water. For water watchers, keep your eyes on the water and be ready to lend a hand.
8. Angler education / fishing safety land-based (ImHooked). Learn the essentials of angler education, practicing situational awareness and casting with backyard bass activities
9. Boating safety land based and in-water. Explore kayaks and canoes, practice safe entry and exits on land, and then explore the lake using your best boating safety skills.
10. What lives here wildlife biology & nature walks. Learn from a wildlife expert about the plants and animals that make up Blue Lake’s balanced ecosystem. Explore the learning garden and walk the nature trails with new appreciation for all that lives there.
11. Clay art. Sit on the ground, listen to music and play with clay in a quiet space in the park
Pop-up outreach @ Broughton Beach
Swing by the WaterStrong outreach tent on Thursday to chat it up with our amazing volunteers passionate about water safety. Pick up a free Metro lifejacket (thank you Metro!!) and collect a few tips on swimming in the mighty Columbia River at gentle sandy sloped Broughton Beach. Weekly through July and August. Welcome!
Pop-up outreach at Sellwood Riverfront Park
Stop by the WaterStrong tent to check in on the water conditions for the day, pick up a free Metro lifejacket and try your hand at community science water sampling and testing. Donations always accepted!
Pop-up outreach @ Broughton Beach
Swing by the WaterStrong outreach tent on Thursday to chat it up with our amazing volunteers passionate about water safety. Pick up a free Metro lifejacket (thank you Metro!!) and collect a few tips on swimming in the mighty Columbia River at gentle sandy sloped Broughton Beach. Weekly through July and August. Welcome!
Pop-up water safety @ Sellwood Riverfront Park
Swing by the WaterStrong outreach tent on Wednesday to chat it up with our amazing volunteers passionate about water safety. Pick up a free Metro lifejacket (thank you Metro!!), help tidy the beach, and collect a few tips on swimming safely in the iconic Willamette River at shady Sellwood Riverfront Park. Weekly through July and August. Welcome!
Pop-up outreach @ Broughton Beach
Swing by the WaterStrong outreach tent on Thursday to chat it up with our amazing volunteers passionate about water safety. Pick up a free Metro lifejacket and collect a few tips on swimming in the Columbia River at Broughton Beach. Weekly through July and August. Welcome!
Pop-up water safety @ Sellwood Riverfront Park
Swing by the WaterStrong outreach tent on Wednesday to chat it up with our amazing volunteers passionate about water safety. Pick up a free Metro lifejacket (thank you Metro!!), help tidy the beach, and collect a few tips on swimming safely in the iconic Willamette River at shady Sellwood Riverfront Park. Weekly through July and August. Welcome!
Pop-up outreach @ Broughton Beach
Swing by the WaterStrong outreach tent on Thursday to chat it up with our amazing volunteers passionate about water safety. Pick up a free Metro lifejacket (thank you Metro!!), help clean up the beach, and collect a few tips on swimming in the Columbia River at Broughton Beach. Weekly through July and August.
Pop-up outreach @ Sellwood Riverfront Park
Swing by the WaterStrong outreach tent on Wednesday to chat it up with our amazing volunteers passionate about water safety. Pick up a free Metro lifejacket (thank you Metro!!), help tidy the beach, and collect a few tips on swimming safely in the iconic Willamette River at shady Sellwood Riverfront Park. Weekly through July and August. Welcome!
Women’s Swim Clinic
Work one-on-one with early learners in a community pool facility. This program is designed for women learners, delivered by women instructors in a culturally supportive space.
Sign up here: volunteersignup.org/TYWMC
Mt Hood Health Fair lifejacket distribution event
July 25th is World Drowning Prevention Day!
Lifejacket distribution & water safety outreach is an easy, fun community event. It’s all about the basics of water safety. Volunteers fit families with free safety whistles and US Coast Guard certified lifejackets from Metro, talk about water safety, and teach families how call for help using a safety whistle, assess the safety of a swimming location, employ the buddy system, and practice basic assists.
Sign up to volunteer: volunteersignup.org/DCLBH
Red Cross Lifeguarding RECERTIFICATION clinic
The Lifeguarding Recertification course is designed to refresh your knowledge and skills. Upon successful completion, you will renew your certification for another two years.
The latest blended learning course, r.24 that includes online + in-person skill demonstration, features adaptive learning, where participants can test out of the online content they already know, allowing participants to ensure they are prepared. The result is a custom learning path for each student in the online portion of the blended learning recertification course.
To participate in the Lifeguarding Recertification class you must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, and certification expired by no more than 30 days.
During the course, individuals will have the opportunity to review and practice their skills. Participants must pass the final written test and the three (3) final skill assessments which include:
Assessment 1 - Timed Response • Participants must complete a passive submerged rescue, extricate with the assistance of an assisting rescuer, and rapid assessment (including the delivery of 2 initial ventilations by either rescuer) within 1 minute, 30 seconds, and then provide 3 minutes of single-rescuer CPR.
Assessment 2 - Rotation and Scanning • Participants must rotate into the lifeguard station, conduct surveillance from the station for 1 minute, and rotate out of the station.
Assessment 3 - Final Team Response Testing Scenario • Participants must perform a passive submerged rescue, extrication and rapid assessment, followed by multiple-rescuer CPR and use of AED and BVM resuscitator.
Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding recertification course will be issued one of the following American Red Cross certificates depending on the recertification course taken:
Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid
Waterfront Skills
Certifications are valid up to 2 years.
Pop-up water safety @ Broughton Beach
Swing by the WaterStrong outreach tent on Thursday to chat it up with our amazing volunteers passionate about water safety. Pick up a free Metro lifejacket and collect a few tips on swimming in the Columbia River at Broughton Beach. Weekly through July and August. Welcome!
Pop-up outreach at Sellwood Riverfront Park
Swing by the WaterStrong outreach tent on Wednesday to chat it up with our amazing volunteers passionate about water safety. Pick up a free Metro lifejacket (thank you Metro!!), help tidy the beach, and collect a few tips on swimming safely in the iconic Willamette River at shady Sellwood Riverfront Park. Weekly through July and August. Welcome!
Pop-up water safety @ Broughton Beach
Swing by the WaterStrong outreach tent on Thursday to chat it up with our amazing volunteers passionate about water safety. Pick up a free Metro lifejacket and collect a few tips on swimming in the Columbia River at Broughton Beach. Weekly through July and August. Welcome!
Women’s Swim Clinic
Work one-on-one with early learners in a community pool facility. This program is designed for women learners, delivered by women instructors in a culturally supportive space.
Sign up here: volunteersignup.org/TYWMC
Touch-A-Truck lifejacket distribution event
Lifejacket distribution & water safety outreach is an easy, fun community event. It’s all about the basics of water safety. Volunteers fit families with free safety whistles and US Coast Guard certified lifejackets from Metro, talk about water safety, and teach families how call for help using a safety whistle, assess the safety of a swimming location, employ the buddy system, and practice basic assists.
Sign up here: volunteersignup.org/DCLBH
EcoSwim with The Next Door
EcoSwim clinics combine the essentials of water safety and survival swimming with environmental education around water. Clinics follow the WaterStrong curriculum and are led by volunteer instructors at community spaces where families naturally recreate. Volunteer swim instructors share their love for the water by teaching essential water safety skills and building confidence in assessing the safety of a swimming location, conducting basic rescues, and reading water quality indicators such as temperature flow, and other parameters. Join in a beach cleanup, distribute US Coast Guard certified lifejackets and safety whistles, and make new friends
Prerequisites:
* Must be 15 year old or older
* High degree of swimming competence and water safety principles
* Comfortable working with youth
* Spanish language skills are invaluable but not required. This program will be delivered in English and Spanish.
* Current CPR certification is invaluable but not required.
Run of the program:
8a: Start the day at The Next Door to meet the participants. Then we’ll walk to Hood River Aquatic Center for a pool session
8:45a - 10:45a: Water safety & swimming
11a: Neighborhood clean-up and picnic lunch
12p: Guided nature walk, art, journaling, poetry.
3p: Return walking to The Next Door.
4p: Conclude
Please reach out to Dena Marshall with any questions at all. Email: dena@waterstrong.org
Sign up to volunteer: volunteersignup.org/BJPFK
Women’s Swim Clinic
Work one-on-one with early learners in a community pool facility. This program is designed for women learners, delivered by women instructors in a culturally supportive space.
Sign up here: volunteersignup.org/TYWMC
EcoSwim with The Next Door
EcoSwim clinics combine the essentials of water safety and survival swimming with environmental education around water. Clinics follow the WaterStrong curriculum and are led by volunteer instructors at community spaces where families naturally recreate. Volunteer swim instructors share their love for the water by teaching essential water safety skills and building confidence in assessing the safety of a swimming location, conducting basic rescues, and reading water quality indicators such as temperature flow, and other parameters. Join in a beach cleanup, distribute US Coast Guard certified lifejackets and safety whistles, and make new friends
Prerequisites:
* Must be 15 year old or older
* High degree of swimming competence and water safety principles
* Comfortable working with youth
* Spanish language skills are invaluable but not required. This program will be delivered in English and Spanish.
* Current CPR certification is invaluable but not required.
Run of the program:
8a: Start the day at The Next Door to meet the participants. Then we’ll walk to Hood River Aquatic Center for a pool session
8:45a - 10:45a: Water safety & swimming
11a: Neighborhood clean-up and picnic lunch
12p: Guided nature walk, art, journaling, poetry.
3p: Return walking to The Next Door.
4p: Conclude
Please reach out to Dena Marshall with any questions at all. Email: dena@waterstrong.org
Sign up to volunteer (Spanish language skills are a huge plus): volunteersignup.org/BJPFK
Hagg Lake Tri race support
Calling all triathletes past, present and future! WaterStrong is honored to be the nonprofit beneficiary of Why Racing Event’s Hagg Lake Triathlon.
30 volunteers are needed to support the water safety team, race course water stations, and general race support. Volunteers receive free camping passes, meals, discount vouchers for Why Racing Events, and event t-shirts.
Sign up here to volunteer! volunteersignup.org/MBW47
Women’s Swim Clinic
Work one-on-one with early learners in a community pool facility. This program is designed for women learners, delivered by women instructors in a culturally supportive space.
Sign up here: volunteersignup.org/TYWMC
ImHooked lifejacket distribution
Reaching over 1,000 families, the ImHooked event is an annual event designed to bring whole families to the water, fishing together and connecting with nature in a safe and relaxing space. WaterStrong volunteers will lead the lifejacket distribution station (300 - 500 lifejackets), support the fishing and fish cleaning stations, help with food prep and provide overall event support. Volunteers receive free camping passes, meals, event t-shirts.
10 - 20 volunteers needed!
Sign up here to volunteer: volunteersignup.org/RW8YQ
Women’s Swim Clinic
Work one-on-one with early learners in a community pool facility. This program is designed for women learners, delivered by women instructors in a culturally supportive space.
Sign up here: volunteersignup.org/TYWMC
Red Cross Lifeguarding + Waterfront Skills Certification
In the US, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 5-15, and the first leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. In Oregon, drowning rates are nearly twice the national average and almost all drownings occur in natural bodies of water. Gain national level certification in essential skills to be able to provide life saving assistance to someone in the water.
The Red Cross LIFEGUARDING course provides participants the knowledge and skills to prevent recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies in both shallow water (less than 7 feet) and deeper water (7 feet or more) and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over.
The Red Cross WATERFRONT SKILLS module, integrated into the Lifeguarding course, equips lifeguards with the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas like parks, resorts, and camps.
Key Skills and Knowledge:
Water Rescue Techniques: Lifeguards learn how to enter the water for rescues, including run-and-swim entries, and techniques for assisting individuals in distress.
Search and Retrieval:Learn search patterns and techniques for locating missing persons in open water, potentially using equipment like nets or masks and fins.
Equipment: Learn to use equipment specific to waterfront environments, such as rescue tubes, surfboards, or paddleboards, depending on the environment.
First Aid and CPR: The course reinforces first aid and CPR/AED skills, essential for responding to emergencies in and out of the water.
Water Safety: Learn about the specific hazards of open-water environments, such as currents, depths, and aquatic life, and how to mitigate these risks.
Environmental Awareness: Gain knowledge about the specific waterfront environment where they are lifeguarding, including potential hazards and safety protocols.
Course Structure:
This class is taught in a blended learning format and the assigned online portion(s) must be completed prior to the instructor-led session.
The in-person portion is delivered over two weekday evenings (Thursday / Friday) and two full weekend days (Saturday / Sunday).
The final skills assessment includes timed response scenarios, surveillance rotations, and multiple-rescuer response scenarios.
Run of the program:
Location: 6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland OR 97219
Thursday session: 4p - 9p
Friday session: 2p - 7p
Saturday session: 8a - 6:00p
Sunday session: 9a - 5:00p
Prerequisites:
Open to anyone 15 years and up
For Lifeguarding
Must be able to complete a swim- tread-swim sequence: Jump into the water submerge resurface swim 150 yards (using the front crawl breaststroke or a combination of both) maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs then swim 50 yards using the front crawl breaststroke or a combination of both.
Must be able to complete a timed event within 1 minute 40 seconds by starting in the water swimming 20 yards surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 12 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point holding the object at the surface with both hand exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
For Waterfront Skills
Swim, Tread, Swim : Must be able to jump into the water, totally submerge, recover to the surface and swim 350 yards, then tread water using only legs or float for 2 minutes, and then swim 200 more yards.
Timed event: Within 1 minute, 40 seconds, must be able to swim 20 yards, surface dive to 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound brick, and return to the starting point holding the brick at the surface.
Underwater swim: Must swim 5 yards, submerge, swim underwater and retrieve 3 dive rings with one breath, and continue to swim another 5 yards.
Certification: Participants who successfully complete this course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (including deep water and non surf open water environments) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid valid for 2 years.
Trainers: Marlys Cappaert & Dena Marshall
Equipment: Participants should wear comfortable clothing, and bring a notebook, swimwear and towels, water bottle, a light meal/snacks.
Cost:
Lifeguarding only (days 1 - 3): $325
Waterfront skills only (day 4): $100
Lifeguarding + Waterfront Skills: $350
FULL - Red Cross Lifeguarding & Waterfront Skills Certification
In the US, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 5-15, and the first leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. In Oregon, drowning rates are nearly twice the national average and almost all drownings occur in natural bodies of water. Gain national level certification in essential skills to be able to provide life saving assistance to someone in the water.
This 4-day blended learning (online / in person) training is delivered in two parts: Lifeguard Certification (days 1-3) and Waterfront Skills Certification (day 4).
The Red Cross LIFEGUARDING course provides participants the knowledge and skills to prevent recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies in both shallow water (less than 7 feet) and deeper water (7 feet or more) and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over.
The Red Cross WATERFRONT SKILLS module, integrated into the Lifeguarding course, equips lifeguards with the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas like parks, resorts, and camps.
Key Skills and Knowledge:
Water Rescue Techniques: Lifeguards learn how to enter the water for rescues, including run-and-swim entries, and techniques for assisting individuals in distress.
Search and Retrieval:Learn search patterns and techniques for locating missing persons in open water, potentially using equipment like nets or masks and fins.
Equipment: Learn to use equipment specific to waterfront environments, such as rescue tubes, surfboards, or paddleboards, depending on the environment.
First Aid and CPR: The course reinforces first aid and CPR/AED skills, essential for responding to emergencies in and out of the water.
Water Safety: Learn about the specific hazards of open-water environments, such as currents, depths, and aquatic life, and how to mitigate these risks.
Environmental Awareness: Gain knowledge about the specific waterfront environment where they are lifeguarding, including potential hazards and safety protocols.
Course Structure:
This class is taught in a blended learning format and the assigned online portion(s) must be completed prior to the instructor-led session.
The in-person portion is delivered over two weekday evenings (Thursday / Friday) and two full weekend days (Saturday / Sunday).
The final skills assessment includes timed response scenarios, surveillance rotations, and multiple-rescuer response scenarios.
Run of the program:
Location: 6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland OR 97219
Thursday session: 4p - 9p
Friday session: 2p - 7p
Saturday session: 8a - 6:00p
Sunday session: 9a - 5:00p
Prerequisites:
Open to anyone 15 years and up
For Lifeguarding
Must be able to complete a swim- tread-swim sequence: Jump into the water submerge resurface swim 150 yards (using the front crawl breaststroke or a combination of both) maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs then swim 50 yards using the front crawl breaststroke or a combination of both.
Must be able to complete a timed event within 1 minute 40 seconds by starting in the water swimming 20 yards surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 12 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point holding the object at the surface with both hand exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
For Waterfront Skills
Swim, Tread, Swim : Must be able to jump into the water, totally submerge, recover to the surface and swim 350 yards, then tread water using only legs or float for 2 minutes, and then swim 200 more yards.
Timed event: Within 1 minute, 40 seconds, must be able to swim 20 yards, surface dive to 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound brick, and return to the starting point holding the brick at the surface.
Underwater swim: Must swim 5 yards, submerge, swim underwater and retrieve 3 dive rings with one breath, and continue to swim another 5 yards.
Certification: Participants who successfully complete this course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (including deep water and non surf open water environments) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid valid for 2 years.
Trainers: Marlys Cappaert & Dena Marshall
Equipment: Participants should wear comfortable clothing, bring a notebook, swimwear, towels, water bottle, a light meal/snacks.
Cost:
Lifeguarding only: $325
Waterfront Skills only: $100
Lifeguarding + Waterfront Skills: $350
WORLD WATER DAY - Rainy Days Book Club
Wind down World Water Day with swimmers and water lovers of all types for a joyful book reading and conversation. Our book this year is Swimming to the Top of the Tide: Finding Life Where Land and Water Meet by Patricia Hanlon. Hosted by our sisters at Spoke & Word Books in Milwaukie, facilitated by cold water swimmer Anastasia Sofranac.