Water Safety Reminder As Temps Start Climbing
Columbia River
People are expected to head down to the Columbia River this weekend to take advantage of the first hot weekend of the year, but everyone needs to remember to be safe to avoid disaster.
The Coast Guard is asking people to wear a life jacket at all times while either in the water or hanging out on a boat.
The temperature of the water will remain below 50 degrees throughout the weekend which could surprise people who jump in and cause their bodies to go into shock.
Terry Filson, Coast Guard Auxiliary, said there are a lot of things to look out for this early in the year when playing in the water, but the cold temperatures are the number one thing that will catch people off guard.
"When you jump in the water, you gasp, that's your natural reaction, you can't stop that," Filson said. "So you could be taking in that first breath under water, not fun."
A class on water and boat safety is available to the public put on by the Coast Guard.
If you are interested in attending, please call Andrew Scott at (509) 591-7249.