Chilly Deschutes River can be dangerous

The Deschutes River starts not too far south of Bend, so the water we get in Central Oregon is frigid, compared to downstream ,where it meets the Columbia River.

Official records in Madras show the last week maxing out at 55 degrees, compared to 65 where the river meets the Columbia. It’s even colder in Bend, where it’s closer to the source.

But that hasn’t stopped people from coming out and floating the river or stand-up paddle boarding.

A Bend Fire and Rescue official talked to NewsChannel 21 on Wednesday about the risk hypothermia if you’re stuck in the river too long.

“When you’re in a water environment where the water is pulling that temperature out of you at a tremendous rate, we’re not really built to be in that environment very long,” Fire Battalion Chief Dave Howe said.

Potentially exacerbating the problem: The fast current can pull you away from whatever was keeping you above the water, if you happen to fall in.

“Moving water is extremely powerful,” Howe said. “Most people who don’t operate or work or play on the river a lot don’t understand the power of moving water.”

Kayak and stand-up paddle board rental companies make sure their customers are prepared for the cold water and current.

“The water’s always cold,” Tumalo Creek Fishing Ambassador Troy Walch said. “It always stays about the same. So we try to get people prepared with a little talk about proper gear to wear, if they’re going to do some play park stuff. We try to get them in a jacket and a helmet and a PFD (personal flotation device, also known as a life jacket or vest). That’s all going to keep them a little warmer — because they’re going to go in the water.”

Another tip: Don’t drink alcohol before going on the river. Because if you fall in, your capillaries are going to be expanded to the point where you’ll lose temperature even quicker.

The rate at which hypothermia sets in varies, depending on age and body type. But generally in the Deschutes River, you have about 20 to 30 minutes almost fully submerged before it begins to hit.