We need Ifish help!

[Captjohn]

It has been awhile since I have posted but unfortunately I have some heartfelt messages to pass on.

Last night Clackamas County Water Rescue teams made 2 dangerous rescues of 6 persons that decided to go floating on the Sandy River as it crested flood stage. Unfortunately these individuals not only risked their lives pulling off this stunt but unselfishly once they got into trouble they endangered the Rescuers. As the supervisor of a Rescue crew I get many sleepless nights waiting to hear back from my boat crew that has to venture out in the dark and cold to make unbelievable rescue attempts. Many of these rescues are on people that willfully choose to risk their lives and then expect us to risk ours. Accidents are one thing, attempting “pass or fail” adventures are another. I understand that these people were not from the fishing community but as stewards of the water ways I ask all of you responsible boaters to help us pass on a few winter time safety messages.

• The Northwest River Forecast Center (www.nwrfc.noaa.gov) has undergone some technical upgrades in the last year or so. You can now estimate trends in water levels in real time access. Please take a moment to go to this very informational site and view the trend data. I have used this information myself in making decisions as where to fish the next day.
• Life jackets save lives. I don’t need to tell all of you that, but please tell everyone else.
• Respect the water. In the last few years the boating population has exploded and many new boaters ply our waterways. Fortunately Oregon and Washington has more than enough water for all of us to share. Much of these waterways are dynamic in nature and should be respected with the utmost care. Please boat within your abilities.
• Dress for the night. If you are venturing out and plan on making a full day of your water experience have enough extras to get you through the night.
• Communiction devices. VHF should be a minimum when boating the Columbia, Willamette and Ocean areas. Carry a cell phone. There are many new and very reliable water tight bags for cell phones. Even though many times you cannot get cell service, the one time you can could save your life. Our crews also carry FRS radios so throw one of those in your pack just in case.
• Lastly, when you see someone venturing out when logic should prevail. Please talk to them and pass on my pleas to make sure the Rescuers get to go home to their loved ones. It might be fun and exciting for them at the time, but it is not for us when we get there.

Thanks for your time and look forward to seeing all of you out on the water. Please be safe.

Jennie keep up the good work!

Captain John Oliver
Clackamas County Fire District #1

[TonTo]

Thank you for being there. Hopefuly they learned a lesson and it don't happen again.

[Birdnest]

Accidents are one thing, attempting “pass or fail” adventures are another

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Very well said. Too many people in life dance on the highwire and expect our ems personel to act as their safety net. While it is "their job", "your job" is to not act like a freakin' Darwin poster child.

Captjohn-

Joe

[ 12-14-2003, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: Birdnest ]

[Jennie@ifish]

Thank you for the timely information.
That web site is posted on our data page, and it is a great resource.
I don't suppose you need to tell us how much you are appreciated, but let me just do that.

You are so appreciated!

Thank you!
Jen

[frankenfish]

Capt. John,

All great advice. Speaking as a person who has nearly drowned in a pontoon boat accident, I take it seriously to heart. We certainly did not go out in such high water, but were inexperienced.

Also, I agree with you that no one has the right to be foolhardy and thereby risk the lives of rescuers. This is precisely why we did not call for help and actually preferred to drown if we did not get ourselves out. (A bystander did call for help but we extricated ourselves). It may sound stupid, but I simply could not live with myself if someone else lost his or her life trying to save me from my own stupidity.

Thanks for being there and risking it all.

Frank

[Firedog]

Good Job Capt. You know as well as I do that the most important thing each day is being able to go home to our families. You and your crew do a great service. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[zipper]

CaptJohn. I think I can speak for the whole community in saying "Thanks for Being There!"... now I must ask a question. Why do these people in this situation when they choose to act wrecklessly, not have to reimburse the cost of the rescue? I heard on the news last night that we the tax payers would be footin' the bill. I don't mind that concept when "accidents" happen but this blatant disregard for personal safety I just don't agree. If people knew they would have to pay, they might think twice about doing it in the first place. Thrill seekers should have to pay. That's just my opinion. You can rescue people but you can't save people from their own stupidity. zip