Just a heads up on the higher water on the Columbia River and getting out to the Riverfront Park small dock out there if you cant swim very well, or only dog paddle for a short distance. DONT. Some out of towners were egging on 2 friends at neck level to go for it. I bet only 20-30yds to the dock. (Wear a life jacket to get there, then take it off!) There is no lifeguard. Started towing one girl back(she asked me) in when she said she couldnt make it back, when almost there.. a guy yelling help!..help..help..6+x.. behind me! ..just great. Vertical not making any progress, getting fatigued borderline panic mode. Lifeguards, you know the process. Few more minutes.. a situation. Had to quickly assess his state.. I said DO NOT CLIMB ON MY KAYAK, just grab the rope and handle on the back, then relax, and you will be ok. He did pull down on it, to get higher, THEN felt safe. WHEW! Got him to shallower water. :) My camera gear in my kayak was at stake! (Just being funny!) Lightening it up. They thanked me dearly. I was there at the right time to help out. Bottom line.. wear a life jacket in deep water. Dont go beyond your known abilities, or friends egging you on to do something youre not sure of. Portland news mentioned there were 8+ drownings locallyPNW area, already in the last week. The dock needs to be set closer to the shore during high water. Is that possible or permanent? No clue. Tad adrenaline rush today for a sec. All was good. So glad to be there and help out.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 04:30:23 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015