OREGON – Lane County’s rivers are proving to be dangerous as incidents over the weekend highlight the importance of safety precautions on the water. According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, the swift and cold waters are filled with obstructions, making it crucial for all boaters to wear life jackets and carry essential gear like a whistle.
On Aug. 3, at about 3 p.m., deputies responded to a report of two kayakers who flipped on the Willamette River near Hileman Landing. Both kayakers reached the shore safely, but one became trapped by dense vegetation and downed trees. The Search & Rescue team assisted, and both individuals were rescued after about an hour and a half.
Earlier that day, deputies received a call around noon about an overturned boat near the EWEB Goodpasture Boat Landing on the McKenzie River. Two people were clinging to the boat without life jackets. McKenzie Fire & Rescue arrived and successfully rescued them…