Sandy River Safety

With the summer fast approaching I feel it is important to address river safety. The Sandy River, which flows through Troutdale at the Glenn Otto Park has long time been a “hot spot” to enjoy all that Oregon summers’ have to offer. Unfortunately, the river poses an extreme danger for those who choose not to take the necessary precautions for their safety.

During the short period between the years 1990 to 1998 the river had claimed an alarming 10 lives. The tragic number of the loss of life spawned many discussions in the community about how to minimize the chances of this occurring in the future (entertained were ideas to even close access to the river in Troutdale). American Medical Response stepped up to the plate and began AMR’S River Safety Program in 1998. Since the inception of this innovative program there have been no drownings in Troutdale’s stretch of the Sandy River. AMR River Safety Staff work seven days a week, and even have a “loaner” life preserver program. The program is funded by American Medical Response, with the help of the Troutdale Booster club.

While patrolling on the Sandy River during the summer months of 1994 and 1995 I heard from several people “things have changed since past years when I used to come here,” with the consensus that it was a safer, more family oriented park. The Troutdale Police Department began patrolling the park in a “structured” manner in early 1990.

The Troutdale Police Department staffs Beach Patrol Officers in the summer months at the park. Officers patrol the river, enforce Municipal and State laws, assist AMR River Safety Personnel, and assist guests of the park.

In past years, prior to any structured programs related to the park, there had been gang problems, alcohol related fights, and many other problems which detracted from the natural ease of enjoying a day at the beach/river. Thus, laws have been enacted over the years by the Troutdale City Council that aid Officers in making the park a safer place to be.

Some of the applicable laws include:

Public Consumption of alcohol (TMC #9.08.010)
Alcohol in the Park (TMC #13.20.190)
MIP/Alcohol (TMC #9.08.050)
Glass Container Prohibited (TMC #13.20.200)
Overnight Camping/Without Permit (TMC #13.20.100)
No Animals in Park (TMC #13.20.160)
Fireworks/Explosives in Park (TMC #13.20.250)
Water Pollution (TMC #13.20.350)
Fire/Non Designated Area (TMC #13.20.230)
Conduct-Fighting/Obsenity/Noise (TMC #13.20.220)
Indecent Exposure (TMC #9.20.010)
Jumping From the Bridge (9.24.010)
Unlawful Act in Stream /Endangerment (TMC #9.24.020)

All of the above listed offenses, with the exception of MIP, are all unclassified misdemeanors (which means they are arrestable offenses), accompanied by a fine not to exceed $500.

In closing, yes this sounds like a lot of rules for a day at the river, but as with all laws, they were enacted over time due to an overall interest of public safety. The Troutdale Police Department wants you to enjoy the beautiful Sandy River in Troutdale, but more importantly is dedicated to ensuring a safe environment.

Questions regarding the AMR River Safety Program:
Taneka Means e-mail: taneka_means@amr-ems.com or Mike Christie e-mail: mike_Christie@amr-ems.com

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to the River Safety Program contact:
Ray Regeline, Oregon River Safety/Troutdale Booster Club at: 503-267-4151