Washington Co. holds water safety event as fishers compete in Hagg Lake tournament

WASHINGTON COUNTY Ore. (KPTV) - As Henry Hagg Lake was lined with people enjoying the weather and participating in the annual fishing tournament on Saturday, county officials say now is a good time to brush up on water safety.

“The most important thing, it’s a repetitive thing, but it’s life jackets,” said Jerry Roley, a Marine Deputy for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

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It’s important to have a life jacket that fits properly. To test the fit, after a jacket is fastened, lift it by the shoulders to make sure it won’t rise above the ears.

A spokesperson for the Oregon State Marine Board said boaters are required to have readily accessible life jackets, and all children 12 and younger are required to wear a life jacket.

“It’s super important because of that cold water piece,” the spokesperson said. “Accidents happen in a second, so it’s super important to be wearing it. Then, when you get into the water, it’ll keep your head above water so hopefully you won’t swallow any and that’ll keep you safe.”

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There are different rules for each body of water, so it’s also crucial to know those before you visit.

Roley said Hagg Lake has a 35-mile-an-hour boating speed limit and a 200-foot no-wake zone.

“So, boats are required to go slow, no wake, within 200 feet of the shore,” Roley said. “We’ve had people violate that and it’s ended in tragedy.”

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