[OSMB-News] News Release -Marine Officers Take on the Rogue River for Hands-On Learning

[Ashley Massey]

For Immediate Release                                                     Date: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 
Marine Officers Take on the Rogue River for Hands-On Learning
 
            There's a lot to be said about facing the risks, challenges and thrills in whitewater boating, and there's a lot to be said about having qualified help there when you need it most.  During the week of August 9 through the 13th, law enforcement officers from 12 different agencies encounter every challenge the Rogue River can muster; from strainers to whirlpool eddies with hydraulics so strong, they can easily pin a boater under water.  The goal is to keep boaters out of danger, and get them to safety if they do wind up “over there head.” 
            “Marine patrol officers encounter all kinds of situations, in all types of water,” says Dale Flowers, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Oregon State Marine Board. “Last year, 13 people died in recreational boating accidents in Oregon, and four of those victims were in paddle craft.  Marine officers spend a great deal of time in search and rescue operations and this training helps them be proficient at responding effectively.” 
            The Marine Board’s drift boat training course is the only one of its kind in the nation, with a one-to-one, student/teacher ratio.  “It's not uncommon to have law enforcement officers from other states enroll in this training, because they'll have an opportunity to experience every type of water in every type of rescue situation imaginable,” Flowers adds.  One seasoned officer will work directly with an inexperienced student.  They will run everything from a class I to a class IV rapid, conduct swift water rescue operations, learn to enter and exit the river from rapids as well as put themselves in harm’s way to ensure that they can get out safely.  Drift boat training also includes the basics such as knot tying, reading the river, and enforcing applicable laws, such as the new aquatic invasive species prevention permit program and Class III whitewater mandatory lifejacket wear laws.
            There are 22 students from around the state learning from the best marine patrol officers in Oregon.
            “There's no greater thrill than running whitewater,” Flowers adds.  “It takes a lot of practice and experience to respond effectively when boaters need help.”       
For more information about the Marine Board’s Marine Law Enforcement Program, visit www.boatoregon.com.  For media interviews contact Dale Flowers, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator at 503-302-0589.  
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Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us
www.boatoregon.com
www.twitter.com/marineboard
We're also on Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Salem-OR/Oregon-State-Marine-Board/116751421672478 )!
 
"Go with the flow." 
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