Many of us kayak along the Tualatin River during the summertime. It is a season of fun and recreation, but for those at the Tualatin River Keepers and the Nautical Safety Foundation (NSF), it is a period of diligence.
Last year, two drownings occurred on or near the Tualatin River, which has spurred Darren Wilhoit of the Tualatin River Keepers to action.
The Tualatin River Keepers have partnered with the Nautical Safety Foundation to build life jacket kiosks at Rood Bridge Park in Hillsboro, Willamette Park in West Linn and Cook Park in Tigard.
Fitzsimons says he is still trying to set up kiosks in the City of Tualatin. “I am hoping we can get one or more locations this summer,” he says.
“We approached the City of Tualatin, we hope to approach King City,” says river experiences program manager Mark Fitzsimons from Tualatin Riverkeepers, “They are working on dramatically improving their public access to the river at King City community park.
Fitzsimons is looking to help install life jacket kiosks across the Tualatin River, which currently has zero despite having four access points to the river, the most out of any city along the river.
“They are way too scarce along the Tualatin River,” says Fitzsimons.
In its 2024 year-end summary, the NSF stated, “An empty kiosk serves no purpose!” The organization has also provided life jackets to several other non-profits, such as Safe Kids, AMR Water Rescue, River Patrols, Metro, and many county and city groups.
In 2024 alone, the NSF raised funds for 1,600 life jackets.
“This year, we are providing 1,300 life jackets,” says Rob Davison of the NSF, “After about two or three years, you wind up needing new life jackets, because of the environment that we are in. They can’t be torn; they can’t be dirty.”
Wilhoit says that not only does the public neglect to wear life jackets, but they often overlook cold water shock, which can put the body into a sort of shut-down mode.
“A lot of the public isn’t aware of cold water shock and the risk when you study about it; there is a death zone,” says Wilhoit, “If you get below 55 degrees, then the chance of dying occurs because cold water causes you to swallow water. It takes over your normal capacity to react.”
Wilhoit says that many younger men think they can handle cold water, but they actually cannot.
“We got hot days early in the season when the water is still really cold,” says Fitzsimons, who believes the day’s temperature gives people a false sense of security.
He also believes many mothers think arm flotation devices are enough to keep children safe in the water. He believes the solution to the problem is education and providing proper flotation devices along the river.
Fitzsimons says he is concerned that many paddleboard users seem to lag in using life jackets compared to kayak users, especially with the risk of cold water shock.
“People often buy paddle boards but don’t buy a personal flotation device with it,” Fitzsimons says, “Paddle boarders seem to go with these water contact-based flotation devices, but they require that you pull something. That sudden gasp reflex and cold water shock, if you go in the water, yeah…”
Despite their success, the NSF and Tualatin River Keepers still need support in purchasing new life jackets and building new kiosks. Wilhoit hopes the community will help.
To learn more or donate to the Nautical Safety Foundation, visit www.nsf-nw.org; To learn more about the Tualatin Riverkeepers, visit tualatinriverkeepers.org.
