Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
Detroit Lake is full, the sun is out and Memorial Day weekend is coming up. But with the summer season fun comes cautions for visitors about boating safety rules and the presence of logs and debris in the lake.
The U.S. Forest Service began sweeping the lake on May 13, with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office advising boaters that wayward timber and other items can be “very dangerous. We ask everyone to be cautious.”
Meanwhile, the Oregon State Marine Board is ramping up its education and outreach programs. The agency hired five seasonal boating safety advocates (BSAs), who will interact with the public at schools, safety fairs, and other community gatherings to promote boating and water safety.
The advocates will be active during peak boating use, especially looking to assist beginners who may not be aware of pertinent safety equipment or potential risks.
“This program emphasizes the Marine Board’s commitment to modernizing boating safety education and outreach,” Brian Paulsen, boating safety program manager for the Marine Board said. “We are focused on decreasing boating fatalities in Oregon. So many incidents are preventable and come down to education, understanding risks, and safety equipment. The BSAs will help reinforce how to play it safe.”
The BSAs will collect informal field data related to boating activities for safety and compliance. Advocates will be on hand for this weekend’s Detroit Lake Fishing Derby.
“Engaging with boaters at the water across the state creates an opportunity to have conversations and learn what the agency can do for boaters,” Paulsen said. “BSAs are also eyes and ears for agency staff and may help us gather observational data.”
For more on the boat safety advocates program go to https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/Pages/Boating-Safety-Advocates-Program.aspx.
