Contact: Tom Gauntt,                                                                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PacifiCorp, 503-813-7291                                                                                           May 24, 2018

Cold, high water is a reason to take safety seriously this Memorial Day weekend

Pacific Power-owned recreational areas open and expected to be full

WOODLAND, Wash. –The summer recreation season kicks off this Memorial Day weekend with snowmelt creating high and cold water conditions on the popular Lewis River reservoirs and elsewhere.

Air temperatures may be rising, but water remains cold so it is a good time to observe safety precautions when boating or anytime you are near a river or lake.

• Always use a life jacket when on a floating device of any kind. Regulations require life jackets even while paddle boarding.
• Take care not to overload boats. The tendency is to think there is always room for one more, but too many people in a boat can compromise buoyancy and stability. Think safety first.
• All floating craft (including kayaks, canoes and paddle boards) should have a light source and a sound-making device to signal other craft.
• Take care on shorelines. Rocks can be slippery and muddy bottoms could cause waders to unexpectedly sink in and lose their balance. Wear insulated waders to protect from the cold waters.

As a courtesy, Pacific Power is working with local law enforcement to provide loaner life jackets on the Lewis River reservoirs. If you are about to launch and find you are a few life jackets short, staff at the boat launches can make sure you are safe.

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About PacifiCorp
PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, serving 1.8 million customers in the West. PacifiCorp operates as Pacific Power in Oregon, Washington and California, and as Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. The company’s generating capability of more than 10,620 megawatts includes power from coal, hydro, gas-fired combustion turbines and renewable wind and geothermal facilities. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment.