Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Searching For Missing Juvenile (Photo) -07/30/25

***UPDATE: Juveline Found Safe***

The missing Juvenile has been found safe and is reunited with family. No other details are available at this time. As always, we thank the community for their help and our Deschutes County Sheriff's Office patrol team for their efforts and support of the family. 

****ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE****

Deschutes County, OR – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating a missing juvenile who is believed to be a runaway.

Missing Juvenile:

• Name: Allison “Alli” Clemens
• Date of Birth: January 24, 2013
• Also Known As: Allison Wright, Wonder
• Description: White female, approximately 5’2” tall, weighing 95–100 pounds. Shoulder-length dark blonde to light brown hair with thick bangs and green eyes.

Allison was last seen leaving her home near Alfalfa Market Road, approximately three miles east of Bend, around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. She was wearing a gray or brown T-shirt, jeans, and possibly black high-top Converse shoes. She may also be wearing a black shirt and jean shorts.

Allison may be traveling on foot in the area east of Bend or within the Bend city limits. It is also possible she received a ride from an unknown individual. She is known to frequent local parks.

Allison has used alternate names and dates of birth in the past to appear older.

If you have seen Allison or have any information about her whereabouts, please contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office immediately through non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search And Rescue Assists Two Hikers Near Chush Falls (Photo) -07/29/25

Sisters, OR  — Shortly after 11:15 a.m. today, the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District was dispatched to the Chush Falls area south of Sisters after receiving a report of two hikers experiencing medical issues. Due to limited access and terrain, assistance was requested from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit. Eleven SAR volunteers responded to the scene.

Both hikers were located and evaluated on the trail. One was able to hike out, while the second was transported to the trailhead using a wheeled litter — a specialized stretcher equipped with one large tire designed for navigating rugged terrain.

This rescue was a successful multi-agency effort, with support from:

• Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District (ambulance and duty officer
• Deschutes County Sheriff's Office SAR volunteers
• U.S. Forest Service (engine crew and duty officer)

Both hikers are doing okay and refused transport to the hospital once rescue crews reached the trailhead.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office thanks all partner agencies for their collaboration and continued commitment to public safety in Central Oregon's backcountry.

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Swift Water And K-9 Teams Lead Coordinated Search At Dillon Falls -07/28/25

Deschutes County, OR — Search and recovery efforts at Dillon Falls continued over the weekend and remain active this week, with specialized teams using a full range of professional tools and training.

On Saturday and Sunday, swift water experts worked in and around the Class 5 rapids, tethered to safety systems while navigating hazardous conditions near the falls. Professional divers conducted thorough searches downstream, and highly trained K-9 units were used each day to help identify areas of interest. Crews also deployed sonar, side-scan equipment, and drones to aid in locating clues from both above and below the surface.

K-9 teams were back in the field Monday, actively searching both sides of the Deschutes River. They play a critical role in these types of searches and are trained to detect human scent in and around moving water, helping to guide where search efforts are focused. Drones are being re-flown to gather updated aerial perspectives and identify any changes in the landscape that could support the search effort.

As opportunities present and areas to investigate are identified, swift water search crews continue working along the river’s edge, in some cases using technical rope systems and operating under strict safety protocols. The challenging terrain and dangerous currents require deep experience and coordination.

Search operations will continue using various resources within and outside the agency as appropriate and available. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to this mission and deeply appreciates the support of its partner agencies and the community.

The Sheriff’s Office remains in daily communication and is working closely with the victim’s family. They have fully supported the ongoing efforts by DCSO and our Search and Rescue teams. The family has requested continued privacy while search operations continue.

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Missing 84-Year-Old Camper Safely Located South Of Paulina Lake (Photo) -07/28/25

Deschutes County, OR - The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to report that Leon Lyle Haight, the 84-year-old man reported missing from Paulina Lake Campground, has been safely located.

Early this morning, a civilian volunteer who had been searching overnight found Mr. Haight in a remote area just south of Devil’s Horn, east of where his vehicle had been discovered Sunday. Medics evaluated Mr. Haight at the scene, and he declined transport. He is currently being reunited with family by Deputy Hicks.

Mr. Haight was last seen Saturday morning and was believed to have wandered away from his campsite. His vehicle was located overnight by a local resident off FS Road 2121-200, high-centered with food, firewood, and personal items inside. Deputies and Search and Rescue teams tracked his footprints into the forest and continued search efforts through the night and into Monday morning.

We thank all the deputies, SAR personnel, medics, and especially the community members who volunteered their time and efforts to help locate Mr. Haight.

For non-emergency inquiries, contact dispatch at (541) 693-6911.

Public Asked To Help Find 84-Year-Old Man Missing From Paulina Lake Campground In Deschutes County (Photo) -07/27/25

Deschutes County, OR - The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing elderly man who was last seen at Paulina Lake Campground earlier today.

Leon Lyle Haight, age 84, of Salem, Oregon, was last seen at the family's campsite around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th. He is believed to have wandered off while relatives were away from the campsite. When they returned, they discovered Mr. Haight and his vehicle were gone. The family also noted that a camp axe was missing, and Mr. Haight had previously mentioned they were nearly out of firewood.

Mr. Haight is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 169 pounds, and has a full gray beard, although the most recent photo provided by the family shows him clean-shaven. He has no known medical or mental health conditions, but does have a history of wandering. 

He is believed to be driving a silver 2008 Honda Civic 4-door sedan with Oregon license plate 988 DRD. Law enforcement and family have checked the area's roads and access points, but have not located his vehicle. The Salem Police Department also visited his residence in Salem, but he was not found there either.

Mr. Haight's family remains at the Paulina Lake Campground in case he returns. Anyone who may have seen Mr. Haight or his vehicle is asked to contact the Deschutes County non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911.

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Missing Children Safely Located In Klamath County By The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office & Oregon State Police -07/26/25

Klamath County, OR – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to report that three young children reported missing earlier this week have been safely located and are now in the care of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

The children were found at a residence in Klamath County following an extensive search effort led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Oregon State Police. DCSO has been assisting ODHS all week on this case. 

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Josh Spano traveled to Klamath County with an OSP Trooper to recover the children. After more than an hour of calm and compassionate negotiation, the children’s mother, Desirae Gross, agreed to relinquish custody. They were safely turned over to ODHS without incident.

No additional details will be released at this time out of respect for the children’s privacy and the sensitive nature of this case.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the public’s concern and support throughout the search. The most important outcome is that the children were found safe. 

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Brush Fire In LaPine Near Darlene Way Quickly Contained Wednesday; DCSO Seeking Public’s Help (Photo) -07/24/25

La Pine, Ore. – For the second time in recent weeks, a brush fire broke out near the transient camp on BLM land off Darlene Way and Rosland Road in La Pine. The Jolene Fire started around 2:40pm Wednesday, July 23rd. It was quickly contained thanks to the rapid response of Lt. Josh Spano, DCSO deputies, La Pine Fire District, and fire crews from the U.S. Forest Service.

No structures or vehicles were damaged.

Investigators believe the fire was human-caused, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a person of interest. Anyone with information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area is asked to call the non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.

Video: Courtesy of Lt. Josh Spano, DCSO: https://youtube.com/shorts/BM89B6AnyHo?feature=share

Mother Of Individual Still Missing At Dillon Falls Releases Public Statement -07/23/25

The mother of the individual still missing at Dillon Falls asked the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office to release the following statement on her behalf. She asks for privacy and will not make further statements or respond to media inquiries.

MOTHER'S STATEMENT:

"It has come to my attention that there is misinformation circulating about the ongoing search and rescue operations to locate my child. I want to be clear and direct: my family and I have been in close communication with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Search & Rescue teams from the very beginning. We are incredibly grateful for their support, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. The efforts of the deputies, staff, and volunteers have gone above and beyond anything we could have hoped for, and we deeply appreciate everything they are doing.

"This search is far more complex than most people realize. Many members of the public do not have full knowledge of the situation, which has led to misunderstandings and assumptions. As the mother of the missing individual, I support the approach and strategy implemented by the Sheriff’s Office and the trained Search & Rescue professionals. I trust the situation is being handled with the utmost care, expertise, and compassion.

"Out of respect for our family, I ask that people refrain from spreading false information, speculating, or interfering in this process. We especially ask that "Juan the Diver" cease and desist from making further public comments or attempting to participate in the official search. His involvement has not been part of the coordinated response, and we do not want the hard work of these trained professionals questioned or disrupted.

"Our focus remains on bringing our child home. We are not speaking to the media at any time and respectfully ask that no one contacts our immediate family. We are still in the process of notifying relatives who live outside the country, and we ask for privacy and space to navigate this unimaginable situation.

"Please continue to support the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the incredible people and volunteers working tirelessly on this mission. We are releasing this statement to clear the air and move forward without distraction.

"Thank you for your understanding and compassion."

—with respect,

The Mother of the Missing Individual

***CORRECTION*** The Home Of Amanda Loyd Is Rockwall, Texas, Not Rockwell. (Photo) -07/22/25

Deschutes County, OR – Recovery efforts are ongoing today, in the search for the last remaining individual missing after six people missed the final takeout area at Dillon Falls on Saturday, July 19th. The group had been floating on inner tubes tied together before the incident occurred.

Investigators have learned that the three survivors jumped from their tubes and made it to shore, while the other three were swept into the main rapids. Dillon Falls is an extremely dangerous section of the Deschutes River, marked by a dramatic 15-foot drop and classified as a Class 5 Rapid. It features long, violent, and obstructed sections of whitewater with rocks, logs, and other debris that pose serious hazards even to experienced paddlers.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is now releasing the names of the two deceased victims:

• Amanda Loyd, Date of Birth: July 16, 1985 – of Rockwall, Texas

• Lindsay Bashan, Date of Birth: January 3, 1992 – of Parkland, Florida

The name of the final missing individual will be released once they are located and next of kin have been notified. The identities of the three survivors are being withheld out of respect for their privacy.

Search operations remain active today. A Life Flight aircraft is flying with a DCSO Search & Rescue (SAR) diver onboard to survey the area from the air, while Portland Police Bureau has deployed a fixed-wing aircraft with specialized search cameras to assist. A K-9 team is also on scene, including the same dog that was instrumental in locating the victim Monday. If the final missing individual is not found today, side-scanning sonar will be brought in to assist with deeper underwater searches.

“This has been a difficult and emotional incident, and we can’t say enough about the professionalism and dedication of our Marine Patrol Unit, Search & Rescue Deputies, and SAR Volunteers,” said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “They have led a coordinated and effective mission under very challenging conditions, and their work has already helped bring answers and closure to two grieving families. We are confident they will continue doing everything possible to locate the final missing individual.”

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to stay clear of the Dillon Falls area while operations are underway. Search teams follow a systematic, methodical approach that requires experience, training, and preparation. Public interference or unintentional disruption could slow recovery efforts and put the recovery at risk.

As summer recreation increases across Central Oregon, the Sheriff’s Office also urges everyone to take safety precautions when on the water:

• Know the water: Understand the river or lake you’re on and where it’s safe to launch and take out. Watch for posted signs and warnings.

• Wear a life jacket: Always have a personal flotation device (PFD) on you or readily available. It can mean the difference between life and death.

• Avoid alcohol and drugs: Impairment is a leading factor in many water-related incidents. Stay sober to stay safe.

Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

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Search And Rescue Update: One Additional Victim Recovered In Ongoing Search At Dillon Falls -07/21/25

Search And Rescue Efforts Ongoing After Six People Go Over Dillon Falls On The Deschutes River West Of Bend (Photo) -07/20/25

***UPDATE: JULY 20TH, 6:45PM***
 

Search and Rescue Efforts Continue at Dillon Falls West of Bend

Deschutes County, OR – Search and rescue operations resumed at 8:00 a.m. this morning as crews continue looking for the two individuals still missing after Saturday’s incident at Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend.

Two drones were deployed early in the day by Bend Police Department to search the Dillon Falls area in coordination with swiftwater rescue team members. Three K9 teams also assisted, working alongside marine patrol boats to search the area downstream of Dillon Falls for approximately three hours.

15 swiftwater rescue team members were deployed to physically search high-interest areas identified by drone imagery and visual reconnaissance.

Recovery operations occurred throughout the day. No additional updates on identities are available at this time. Recovery efforts will continue on Monday. 

***ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE***
 

Deschutes County, Ore. – A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway after a group of six individuals went over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend Saturday afternoon.

At approximately 2:57 p.m., Deschutes County 9-1-1 received a report of the incident, prompting an immediate response from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR). The Bend Police Department provided drone support, and AirLink assisted with the aerial search.

Three individuals were rescued from the river and transported to St. Charles-Bend by ambulance. One person was confirmed deceased at the scene. Two others remain missing.

DCSO Search & Rescue and Bend Fire & Rescue crews continued recovery efforts into the evening and will work until sunset. If unsuccessful, operations will pause overnight and resume in the morning.

The names of the victims and survivors are not being released at this time to allow for proper family notification.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks all partner agencies for their swift and coordinated response. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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Man Arrested For Arson And Other Charges After Vehicle And Trailer Fire South Of Deschutes Junction (Photo) -07/18/25

Deschutes County, Ore. – At approximately 8:03 a.m. this morning, Deschutes County 911 received a report of a fire near milepost 131–132 on Highway 97, just south of Deschutes Junction.

Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and determined that Charles Smith Harris Jr. (DOB 4/10/1970) allegedly set fire to a vehicle, which then spread to a nearby trailer owned by Todd Mullings. The fire also ignited several small trees in the area.

Bend Fire & Rescue arrived quickly and was able to knock the flames down before they could spread further. No injuries were reported.

Harris was arrested and booked into the Deschutes County Jail on the following charges:

• Arson in the First Degree
• Reckless Burning
• Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
• Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree
• Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree

He was cooperative with deputies and reportedly told them he started the fire in an attempt to “get a fresh start.”

The fire is being investigated as an arson by Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering with Bend Fire & Rescue.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office values its strong partnership with Bend Fire & Rescue. Their quick response and coordinated efforts helped prevent further property damage and ensured public safety.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Offers Free Shred Event In Sisters -07/18/25

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a free community shred event and drug disposal with the assistance of Republic Services this Saturday, July 19th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Location: Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Sisters Substation, 703 N. Larch 

This is a residential free shred event and is not intended for business/commercial shredding.  

We can accept paper clips and staples but cannot take plastic bags or three ring binders. We are asking that people limit the number of documents to be shredded to no more than four boxes.  

If you have more than four boxes of material to be shredded, we are asking that you contact Republic Services at 541-352-2263 to determine how to dispose of your items.  

Medications accepted are prescription, patches, ointments, over the counter, vitamins, samples, and medications for pets. 

NO SHARPS, THERMOMETERS, INHALERS, ETC.  

New to the shred event and drug disposal is a flag disposal. If anyone has an old tattered American flag, they would like properly disposed of it can be done at these events.  

Food donations are also accepted during the event, which will go to a local foodbank.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 263 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 178 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Public Safety Reminder For Fairwell Festival: Plan Ahead, Travel Safe, And Don’t Drink And Drive (Photo) -07/17/25

REDMOND, Ore. – As thousands of people head to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds this weekend for the Fairwell Festival, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Redmond Police Department are reminding drivers and festivalgoers to plan ahead, travel safely, and celebrate responsibly.

With large crowds expected for the popular music event, local and state law enforcement will have increased patrols throughout the area, particularly along U.S. Highway 97 and key intersections and main roadways throughout Redmond. Traffic congestion is likely, and all three agencies urge attendees to give themselves extra time, avoid peak travel hours, and use rideshare services or carpooling whenever possible.

“Fairwell Festival is one of the most exciting weekends of the summer in Central Oregon,” said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “Our deputies are here to help make the experience safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. With large crowds and lots of traffic, we encourage folks to plan ahead, be patient, and make smart choices—especially when getting to and from the event. We want people to have fun, create great memories, and get home safely.”

DCSO will have teams stationed at the fairgrounds working directly with event staff. OSP and Redmond PD will lead highway and local street enforcement, emphasizing DUII prevention and crash response. In previous years, OSP has arrested more than 20 drivers during the festival weekend for DUII offenses.

“Your festival plans should include a sober ride home, whether using a rideshare service or designating a sober driver,” said Capt. Kyle Kennedy with Oregon State Police. “Have a plan to get home safely. It’s that simple.”

Local law enforcement presence is not about dampening the fun but ensuring that everyone—from festival attendees to local residents—stays safe on local roads. Drivers not attending the festival should expect heavier-than-usual traffic in and around Redmond, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours on Friday and Saturday.

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Small Plane Crashes North Of Sisters Eagle Airport — All Occupants Survive With Minor Injuries (Photo) -07/13/25

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Seeking Help Locating Missing 13-Year-Old Girl -07/11/25

***Update: 11:57PM***

Stella has been located and is safe. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the community for their prompt assistance in bringing Stella home safe.

***Original Release***

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a missing 13-year-old female, Stella McKay, and asking for the public’s help in locating her.

Stella was last seen at her residence near the Tetherow Butte area in Northwest Redmond. She is unfamiliar with the area and may be disoriented or lost.

Description:

• Name: Stella McKay

• Age: 13

• Height: 5 feet

• Weight: 85 lbs

• Hair: Blonde

• Eyes: Brown

A recent photo of Stella is included with this release to assist in identification.

Anyone with information regarding Stella’s whereabouts is urged to call non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911 immediately. If you believe you may have seen her, call the authorities immediately.

We thank the community for remaining alert and helping us bring Stella home safely.

Spring River Road Fire Activity (Photo) -07/07/25

***Gina Fire Update #3***

Fire crews continue making progress to contain the Gina Fire off Spring River Road south of Sunriver. The Evacuation Level 1 has been dropped. There is no more danger of the fire spreading at this point or threatening additional homes or structures.

***Update #2: 6:40pm***

The Level 2 Evacuation for the area of Spring River Road and Besson Road south of Sunriver has been reduced to a Level 1 Evacuation: Be Ready.

***UPDATE:  6:25PM***

Crews from the Forest Service, Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch, LaPine Fire, and Sunriver Fire are working together and have made good containment on the fire in the area of Spring River Road south of Sunriver, now called Incident 487. The LEVEL 2 Evacuation remains in effect.

It’s been determined that a house fire began spreading to nearby forest land. Nobody has been injured in the fire. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputies on the scene say everyone in the area is currently safe. We’ll continue providing updates as fire crews make progress and additional information becomes available.   

Due to fire activity South of Sunriver in the area of Spring River Road, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has issued the following evacuation notices:

Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:

Gena Lane, Lisa Lane, and all roads off Besson Road and Cooper Drive and North of Spring River Road.

A temporary Evacuation Point is being established at Three Rivers Elementary School located at 56900 Enterprise Drive in Sunriver.

Level 2: Means “BE SET” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. This may be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-date information. Current maps, including evacuation areas, can be found at: https://deschutes.org/emergency

For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at: www.centraloregonfire.org

Make sure you are registered for Deschutes Alerts to receive evacuation and emergency alert and warnings in your area by going to www.deschutesalerts.org

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Play Safe, Stay Safe: Wildfire And Water Reminders From The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (Photo) -07/02/25

As Central Oregonians prepare to enjoy the 4th of July holiday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is reminding residents and visitors to keep safety top of mind—especially when it comes to wildfire prevention and water recreation.

“The 4th of July is a great time to get outside with family and friends, but it’s also a time to be extra cautious,” said Lieutenant Nathan Garibay, who oversees Emergency Services at DCSO. “A single spark can lead to a devastating wildfire, and being unprepared on the water can quickly become dangerous.”

Wildfire Prevention Tips

Dry conditions and hot temperatures make our region especially vulnerable to wildfires. DCSO urges everyone to:

• Know before you go – Check local fire restrictions and know whether campfires are allowed where you plan to camp.
• Keep fires small and attended – Never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish it with water, stirring until it’s cold to the touch.
• Use fireworks responsibly – Fireworks are banned on all federal lands and strongly discouraged in wildfire-prone areas. If you choose to use fireworks, keep them away from dry grass or brush, and always have a bucket of water or hose nearby to put them out safely.

Water Safety & Marine Patrol

The Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol will be actively patrolling lakes and rivers throughout the weekend, checking boats and personal watercraft to ensure everyone is following the law and staying safe.

“One of the most important things people forget—especially on paddle boards and kayaks—is the requirement to have a life jacket,” Garibay said. “It’s best practice even for strong, experienced swimmers, so it’s always good to be prepared.”

Water safety tips include:

• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket – Especially on paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes.
• Have a whistle or other sound device on board – This is required by law for most small watercraft.
• Never operate watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Understand when and how to use a leash when paddleboarding.

Have Fun, But Be Prepared

DCSO wants everyone to have a fun and memorable 4th of July, whether you’re watching fireworks, camping in the forest, or spending time on the water. Just remember to keep safety in the back of your mind and help protect yourself, your family, and our beautiful public lands.

For more information on wildfire restrictions and boating safety laws, visit:

• Oregon State Marine Board
• Central Oregon Fire Info

Stay safe and enjoy the holiday weekend!