Polk Co. Sheriff's Office
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News Release
Two Rescued After being Stranded on Gravel Bar - 07/30/21

On Thursday, July 290, 2021 at about 9:30 pm, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a water rescue on the Willamette River near the Keizer Rapids Park.  Two females, Jackeline Garcia (20) from Woodburn and Shibana Lazaro-Aguirre (19) from Wilsonville had become stranded on a gravel bar in the river. 

 

Earlier that evening they had put in at the Keizer Rapids Park on small inner tubes and intended to float around the area. However, due to the strong current they floated past their intended area and ultimately became stranded on the gravel bar approximately 500 yards north of the park.  Neither Ms. Garcia nor Ms. Lazaro-Aguirre were wearing life jackets, but did have a cell phone and called 911. 

 

A Polk County Sheriff’s Office boat was deployed from the Keizer Rapids dock.  Ms. Garcia and Ms. Lazaro-Aguirre were safely taken from the gravel bar to the Keizer Rapids Park.  Ms. Garcia and Ms. Lazaro-Aguirre were uninjured.

 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Keizer Police Department for their assistance.    

 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind people to always plan before you go in order to be familiar with not only the area, but the river conditions.  We would also like to remind people that anytime you are in or around water to wear a life jacket or have one readily available.  Please see the link below provided by the Oregon State Marine Board to find a life jacket loaner station near you.       

 

https://www.oregon.gov/.../Life-Jacket-Loaner-Stations.aspx

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