Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Trooper Dave Herman (left) and Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Ian Newton (right), a boatswain's mate at Station Portland, Ore., inspect a recreational fishing vessel in the Willamette River Friday, March 19, 2010.
Fran Beebe and Blaine Ackley of Hillsboro, Ore. were commended by the officers for wearing life jackets.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Coast Guard is reminding boaters and other waterway users in the Portland and Vancouver, Washington, area to be safe and cautious during the expected busy 4th of July weekend along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
To ensure the safety of those that use the local waterways for commercial and recreational purposes, Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel will be conducting routine patrols during the weekend, focusing on boating safety and ensuring that waterways are clear for all users.
Although there are several events scheduled on or near the water this weekend, there are only two regulated safety zones scheduled to be in place and enforced by Coast Guard and other law enforcement personnel for the evening of July 4. The first is for the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival Fireworks, in the vicinity of Waterfront Park between the Hawthorne Bridge and the Marquam (I-5) Bridge. The second safety zone is in the vicinity of the Washougal 4th of July Fireworks. The safety zones are in place so these traditional fireworks shows can be conducted safely and without delay.
To ensure the safety of participants and spectators on the Willamette River the Coast Guard has enacted special local boating regulations, published in the Federal Register and advertised by local and Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
Commercial vessel traffic is anticipated all weekend so recreational users of the Willamette River are advised to stay as close to the western shore as possible, unless transiting, especially during the Blues Festival scheduled to take place at Waterfront Park.
"Our goal is to ensure all waterway users remain safe while on the river,” said Lt. Cmdr. Laura Springer, chief of waterway management, Coast Guard Sector Columbia River. “We ask for cooperation from all waterway users to keep the main navigation channels clear. We intend to enforce “Rule 9” of the Navigation Rules.”
The “Rule 9” of the Navigation Rules states generally that smaller vessels must not impede the passage of larger vessels that can only navigate safely within a narrow channel, and that no vessels may anchor within a narrow channel.
Due to the expected increase of vessel traffic on the water during the 4th of July weekend the Coast Guard is emphasizing the importance of safe boating practices for all those who take to the water.
A few tips to remember include:
- Always wear a life jacket. Since there is little time to reach for stowed vests when accidents occur, wearing one at all times reduces your risk of drowning. Federal law requires you to have an appropriately sized personal floatation device for each passenger.
- Stay sober. Boating under the influence is illegal and deadly. If you notice another boater who appears intoxicated or is driving erratically, call 911.
- Have a VHF-FM marine-band radio on board. If you are in distress, you can reach the Coast Guard on marine-band channel 16, the distress channel. Though cell phones are better than no communication device at all, they tend to have gaps in coverage while on the water and have limited battery life.
- Know what to do. If you do find yourself in trouble and in the water, stay with your vessel for as long as possible, even if it capsizes. Do not try to swim for shore.
- File a float plan with a friend. A float plan simply lets family and friends know where you are going and your expected time of return. File a float plan with someone who is not getting underway with you and stick to the plan. If you change plans, contact the person. A float plan assists responders in the search of an overdue boater who may be in distress.
- Download the free Coast Guard Boating Safety app. It works on most smart phones and includes state boating information, a safety equipment checklist, navigation rules and an emergency assistance feature that will call the closest Coast Guard command center when location services are enabled.