SPRINGFIELD – Following a devastating string of three drownings in less than a week, local officials are urging community members to exercise extreme caution on the Willamette and McKenzie rivers.
The tragedies have prompted a joint call to action from the City of Springfield, Willamalane Park and Recreation District, and Eugene Springfield Fire, reminding the public that even familiar local waterways hold serious, often hidden dangers. The recent surge in river rescues began mid-July and is a stark reminder of how quickly ideal summer conditions can turn hazardous:
– July 14: Emergency crews were called to the Willamette River after a group encountered a snag. Rescuers located 26-year-old Ervan Dominick Lucia of Harrisburg face down in the river. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later passed away. Officials noted Lucia was paddleboarding without a life jacket and was tethered to his board when he became trapped.
– July 18: Rescuers dispatched to Black Canyon Campground following reports that 26-year-old Justin Daniel Brudvig of Oregon City had been pulled from the water. Despite immediate bystander CPR and efforts by Oakridge Fire personnel, Brudvig could not be revived. He had also been paddleboarding without a life jacket.
– July 20: First responders rushed to Clearwater Landing after 75-year-old Shabbir Ali Kahn Panni of Eugene fell from a watercraft into the river. Eugene Springfield Fire personnel rescued Panni from the water, but he later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.
Invisible hazards
Officials note that river conditions can shift rapidly. Strong currents, frigid water temperatures, submerged strainers, and low-head dams pose lethal risks to experienced paddlers and casual swimmers alike.
“Recent rescues are an important reminder that river conditions can change quickly and hazards are not always visible from the surface,” said Eugene Springfield Fire Chief Mike Caven. “Wearing a properly fitted life jacket, knowing your route and exit point, and following posted warnings can make the difference between a safe day on the water and a life-threatening emergency.”
River safety guidelines
- Always wear a life jacket A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is essential for anyone near moving water, regardless of age or swimming ability. A free life jacket loaner station is available at Clearwater Park at 2400 Clearwater Lane in Springfield, supported by Eugene Springfield Fire, Cabela’s, Lane Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 851, and Willamalane.
“A properly worn life jacket can be the difference between life and death, even for the most experienced and strongest swimmer,” said Eric Adams, Willamalane chief operating officer. “We hope the community takes advantage of the life jackets available at Clearwater Park, which could help prevent more tragic drownings.” - Exercise caution with paddleboard leashes. Standard ankle leashes can easily entangle in submerged branches or rocks in moving water. The Oregon State Marine Board recommends using a body-mounted, quick-release leash specifically designed for rivers – or omitting a leash entirely if entanglement risks are high. Paddlers should always practice using their quick-release mechanism before getting on the water.
- Avoid the low-head dam. Downstream travelers on the Willamette River must plan their exit at the West D Street Boat Ramp before reaching the low-head dam near Interstate 5. Low-head dams generate powerful, recirculating underwater currents that are nearly impossible to escape once trapped.
“River users approaching the low-head dam should stay far to river right or exit the river at the West D Street Boat Ramp,” Caven said. Never attempt to paddle across or over a low-head dam.
More info: oregon.gov/OSMB
