Salem, Ore. — Despite recurrent warnings and extensive safety campaigns, Oregon’s waters have continued to claim lives this summer, with a notable increase in boating-related fatalities compared to the previous year. The Oregon State Marine Board reports that 19 individuals have perished in boating incidents alone in 2024, a distressing rise from the 14 deaths recorded in 2023.
This upward trend in water-related accidents has triggered additional safety initiatives by local nonprofits and authorities hoping to stem this deadly tide. The Willamette River, where four boating deaths were reported this year, including that of renowned chef Naomi Pomeroy, is a particular focus. The river’s deceptive calm obscures underlying dangers, including fast currents and submerged hazards that have proven fatal.
Bob Sallinger, executive director of the Willamette Riverkeepers, emphasized the river’s hidden dangers. “The Willamette is often underestimated by the public,” Sallinger said. “While it appears gentle, certain stretches are swift and fraught with hazards like strainers, which are submerged objects that can trap and drown even experienced swimmers.”
Approximately 85-90% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets, a statistic that has prompted a vigorous campaign to promote the use of life-saving equipment. Efforts are underway to make life jackets more accessible to both swimmers and boaters, especially at popular river access points.
The Tualatin Riverkeepers are spearheading a proactive approach after a tragic drowning incident involving a 42-year-old man in July. The organization is setting up life jacket loaner stations along the river, where swimmers and paddlers can borrow life jackets free of charge, with the aim of equipping every access point with such amenities.
Mark Fitzsimons, a guide with the Tualatin Riverkeepers, shared his concerns and motivation. “In my time on the river, it’s alarming to see the number of people who don’t wear life jackets, wear them incorrectly, or lack safety whistles,” Fitzsimons said. “Setting up more life jacket stations is a direct response to these risky behaviors.”
The expansion of safety infrastructure is partly funded by grants from the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, which are anticipated to cover the installation of four to five new kiosks. Additional funding is being sought through fundraising and donations to meet the community’s needs.
While the current focus is on immediate preventive measures, there is a broader push to instill a culture of safety and awareness about the perils of Oregon’s rivers. The Marine Board has recently granted funds to Willamette Riverkeepers to launch a basic paddling safety course in the spring of 2025, aiming to educate the public on effective navigation and survival techniques in challenging water conditions.
Sallinger summarizes the multifaceted approach to improving river safety, “We’re deploying multiple strategies to make our rivers safer. Education, accessible safety equipment, and public awareness campaigns are all critical components of our efforts.”
This comprehensive safety initiative reflects a growing acknowledgment that preventing future tragedies requires more than just caution—it demands active and sustained interventions to enhance safety in Oregon’s beautiful but potentially dangerous waterways.