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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (June 29, 2016)
Polk County News Polk County Itemizer-Observer • June 29, 2016 5A Market Saturday JOLeNe GuzMAN/Itemizer-Observer Erin Purdie, left, and Tracy Blankenship taste honey at the Coffman Farms booth at the Riverview Farmers Market on Saturday. Warm temperatures brought out cus- tomers — and more than a few children who wanted to cool off at the fountain. JOLeNe GuzMAN/Itemizer-Observer Playing on or near the water was a popular way to pass the time during Saturday’s warm temperatures. State official while the weather is warm, the water is cold. Fireworks: Be considerate of pets, neighbors when using fireworks Continued from Page 1A If you are planning to visit Oregon parks, beaches or public forestland over the holiday, it may be best to leave the fireworks at home, as their use is prohibited at those locations. Oregon law bans posses- sion, use, or sale of fire- works that fly, explode, or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches into the air. Fi re w o rk s c o m m o n l y called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon. Your best bet in making sure you are following the law is to purchase fireworks at permitted retailers and stands in Oregon. If you don’t, officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation. You also could be responsible for damages. “All Oregonians share the responsibility to use only legal fireworks and use them carefully,” said Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “And we en- courage you to be aware and considerate of neighbors and their pets, before decid- ing on when and where you choose to light fireworks." Be safe in the water this summer with these tips Itemizer-Observer staff report POLK COuNTY — Pleasant temperatures and a three-day holiday weekend approach- ing will have plenty of people thinking about spending time on the water this July Fourth. Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and other state agencies are reminding people to stay safe and sober on the water. OSMB’s safe boating tips include: • Know the rules of the waterway by tak- ing a “safe boating course” or online pad- dling course. • Stay sober or have a designated “driver.” Just like on land, alcohol or other intoxicants affect judgement, vision, balance and coor- dination, increasing the chances of an acci- dent. Keep in mind boating under the influ- ence of intoxicants is a crime, subject to loss of boating privileges and a $6,250 fine. • Prepare your boat’s engine before head- ing out. Blended fuels require fuel stabilizers for boat engines. • Be aware of carbon monoxide. Passen- gers can be exposed to carbon monoxide when hanging on to the back of the boat or swimming platform to body surf or “teak surf.” Teak surfing is illegal in Oregon and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning which could lead to drowning. • Be courteous on the water. • Be cautious of waterway obstructions like snags and fallen trees. • Let friends or family know of your “float plan” — where you are going and when you plan to return. • Last, but certainly not least, wear a life jacket even if you consider yourself a strong swimmer. River currents, unseen obstruc- tions and unexpectedly cold water tempera- tures can lead to accidents. A life jacket is the best defense, according to OSMB. Tyree Wilde, the warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Serv- ice in Portland, said water temperatures in local rivers are running about 57 degrees to 65 degrees. Those headed to the beach should keep in mind the ocean is much cold- er, in the low- to mid-50s. While hypothermia could take an hour or more to set in based on water temperature, people can run into trouble much sooner. If the water is cold enough, it can cause an involuntary gasp reflex on contact, causing a swimmer to inhale water. Within 10 minutes what is called “cold water paralysis” can set in, Wilde said. The condition is a symptom of the body trying to preserve its core tempera- ture and pushing blood to vital organs. Mus- cles in arms and legs lose coordination and being cramping, making it difficult to swim. “People must exercise caution when visit- ing area rivers and the ocean this Fourth of July holiday,” Wilde said. “Hot weather and cold water just doesn’t mix. The best advice is to wear a life jacket and be aware of the risk.”
