AMR Lifeguards Return To Glenn Otto Park May 27

Beach at Glenn Otto Park looking toward the Sandy River bridge

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the American Medical Response (AMR) River Safety Program will provide two lifeguards at the Glenn Otto Park beach area on the Sandy River from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. AMR staffs the Park with a minimum of two guards per shift, and typically adds a third, and even fourth, when temperatures and/or crowds increase.

The Sandy River is never safe

Glenn Otto Park poses serious dangers for swimmers and recreationists alike. With this year’s full snowpack, the currents are strong and the river is icy cold, swift and unpredictable. Water levels and currents can fluctuate and change from day to day. Debris is a problem, both above and below the water.

Flotation devices are available on loan for free

Drownings are largely preventable if the swimmer is wearing a life jacket that fits properly. If you forgot to bring yours, there are free loaners available for daily use. AMR has approximately 75 to loan daily, in all sizes from infant to adults. During the summer of 2016, AMR lifeguards pulled 129 people out of the water at Glenn Otto Park - only seven were wearing a life jacket.

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Beach at Glenn Otto Park looking upstream
Lifeguards will be on duty at the Glenn Otto Park beach area from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day
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