The National Weather Service is predicting a spike in temperatures this weekend, with highs in the mid-to-upper 90s along the Interstate 5 corridor. High heat like this often drives people to seek relief in lakes and rivers across the region, which could be deadly if those who swim, boat or fish are not wearing life jackets.

Statistics from the last five years regarding public recreation fatalities at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) lake and river projects show 91% of victims were not wearing a life jacket, 92% were male, 88% were age 18 or older, and nearly half were swimming in undesignated areas.

Regional temperatures will vary Saturday and Sunday with air temperature highs listed below from the National Weather Service, with corresponding U.S. Geological Survey water temperatures from June 11:

• Portland: Saturday – 92 degrees; Sunday – 98 degrees
  • Willamette River water temperature at Portland – 65.5 degrees
• Eugene: Saturday – 89 degrees, Sunday – 95 degrees
  • Middle Fork Willamette River water temperature at Jasper – 58.8 degrees
• Medford: Saturday – 98 degrees; Sunday – 102 degrees
  • Rogue River water temperature at Raygold – 53.4 degrees
• Seattle: Saturday – 81 degrees; Sunday – 86 degrees
  • White River water temperature at R Street (Auburn) – 50.4 degrees
• Tri-Cities: Saturday – 88 degrees; Sunday – 92 degrees
  • Yakima River water temperature at Van Giesen Bridge (Richland) – 64.2 degrees

            Many other factors contribute to drownings, including differences between water and air temperatures. Falling into water unexpectedly can cause involuntary gasping, known as “cold shock,” which can happen with water as warm as 77 degrees. Water temperatures are usually much lower than air temperatures in the Pacific Northwest.

            A sudden fall can also injure or disorient someone, which can make it more difficult to recover. Other issues that make water recreation dangerous are alcohol consumption, overestimating swimming ability, obstructions, and improper equipment. Wearing a life jacket can help prevent fatalities.

USACE’s Northwestern Division has three district offices in Washington and Oregon. It’s officials urge recreationists to take precautions, such as:

• Wear a life jacket: It will help you survive an unexpected fall into the water and can save your life if you become exhausted.
• Know your swimming abilities: Swimming in natural waters is different from swimming in a pool, and your swimming ability decreases with age.
• Expect the unexpected: If you fall or jump into water that is colder than 77 degrees, you can inhale water from involuntary gasping.
• Understand “boater’s hypnosis”: This can slow your reaction time almost as much as intoxication.
• Eliminate alcohol consumption: Alcohol induces an inner ear condition (caloric labyrinthitis) that can cause disorientation when underwater.