MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – With temperatures in the Portland area expected to reach 90 degrees again this week, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is reminding community members to prioritize safety while enjoying local rivers and lakes. 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit responded to 12 calls for service on the weekend of June 13 and June 14, 2026. These included reports of public intoxication, a boat fire, and assisting a jet‑ski operator in distress—among other emergencies—all in addition to performing their routine patrols across 110 miles of waterways. 

Of the calls for service, three involved people recreationally jumping from local bridges—an illegal and highly dangerous activity that puts both the jumpers and responding first‑responder teams at serious risk. 

That same weekend, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Dive Team responded to Columbia County to assist in a search and recovery operation on the Columbia River.  

Just before 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a 911 call from a community member reporting a boat fire near Kerr Public Dock. According to witnesses, several people jumped off the boat before it sank into the Willamette River. The River Patrol Unit responded to the call as did Portland Fire & Rescue. 

While River Patrol deputies assisted with this emergency response, BOEC received a separate 911 call from a jet skier who witnessed a woman flip her jet ski near Chinook Landing. The jet skier was pinned by logs and debris floating in the Columbia River. Fortunately, she was wearing a life vest at the time of the incident.  

Managing 110 miles of waterways is highly demanding work that relies on teamwork and coordination. To ensure fast and safe responses, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office works with our local law enforcement and fire service partners, including the Portland Police Bureau, Portland Fire & Rescue, Gresham Fire Department, and Corbett Fire. By also working in close alignment with the Clark County Sheriff's Office, the Vancouver Fire Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard, we help to ensure our public safety network is prepared to respond to our communities.  

As more people head to the water to swim, paddleboard, kayak, boat, or cool off along the shore, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit emphasizes the importance of wearing a properly fitted life vest. It is the simplest and most effective way to prevent tragedy while on the water. 

Additionally, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office would like to share the following safety tips: 

• Never swim alone. 
• Keep a close watch over children at all times. 
• Be aware of strong currents, cold water temperatures, and sudden drop‑offs common in area rivers. 
• Avoid alcohol or drugs when swimming or operating a boat. 
• Check conditions before you go, as the weather, water temperature, and river flow can change quickly. 
• Use designated swimming areas whenever possible. 
• Always carry a charged phone in a waterproof case. 
• If kayaking, tubing, or paddling, share your plans with someone and provide an expected return time. 
• Do not jump off local bridges. It is illegal and highly dangerous. 

Having a clear plan before enjoying local waterways greatly improves safety for you and for first responders. 

The Oregon State Marine Board maintains a list of valuable boating education resources to help you form a solid, safe plan, including: 

• Water levels 
• Reports of obstructions 
• Tide information 
• Local regulations 
• Required equipment 
• Launch sites and alternative take‑out locations