The City of Troutdale is working closely with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Gresham Fire Department to prepare for a summer without lifeguards at Glenn Otto Park. COVID-19 has impacted services in many ways, including AMR’s River Rescue Team, and we fully understand why AMR is not able to fill that role this summer.
We are increasing public awareness online through social media and have installed prominent signage in multiple languages at the park. Each summer, the Sheriff’s Office dedicates a “beach deputy” to ensure public safety and offer a physical presence in the park. We will continue to explore ways to enhance safety by providing more “self-help” resources at the park in case of an emergency, like lifejackets and lifesaving buoys.
Glenn Otto Park and the Sandy River are very popular recreation destinations. We want to make sure people leave the park with only positive and happy experiences.
The health and safety of the public is our priority. In the absence of AMR’s River Rescue Team, visitors need to be extra careful and take the following suggestions to heart:
- Wear a life jacket when you are in or near the water (children should wear them at all times and be within arm's reach under constant supervision)
- Life jackets will be available at both sites on an honor system.
- Be aware of the risk of cold-water shock due to cold spring water temperatures
- Carefully read and follow all signage
- Water rescue response times will be slower, swim at your own risk
For more information, please see this story from the Gresham Outlook.