ESF crews successfully conducted a water rescue on the Willamette River in Glenwood on Saturday afternoon

Eugene, OR – According to the statement, right after 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon, rescue crews were dispatched to the low head dam, where two individuals were stranded on a strainer below the dam.

When crews arrived, they found the two individuals who required a boat rescue from a perilous situation. The individuals had been floating down the river in an inflatable raft, which had deflated and become trapped in the strainer. Fortunately, the boaters were wearing life jackets, which contributed to the positive outcome.

The low head dam was a hazardous obstacle in the river, and those floating the river were advised to stay far right to avoid potential disaster. ESF urged the community to make appropriate choices when navigating the swift water rivers.

They emphasized that cheap inflatable tubes, rafts, kayaks, and other floats designed for pools and lakes were not suitable for river use.

Water rescue calls required a minimum of three fire crews and an ambulance, taking them out of service to manage the situation.