April 16, 2021 – The warm weather is arriving so soon! If you are planning on visiting the Hood River waterfront this weekend, please remember:

• Serious natural hazards exist.
• The waters of the Columbia are still quite cold and the waters of the glacially-fed Hood River are VERY cold.
• There are very strong currents and steep drop offs, especially at the edges of sandy areas near the confluence of the Hood River with the Columbia. The Spit and Sandbar look like peaceful, flat beaches, but they are moving, dynamic sediment deposits and serious drowning danger exists.
• Children should be directly supervised by a parent or caregiver at all times near the water. Lifejackets are strongly recommended.
• There are NO Lifeguards or any other dedicated professional rescue service on any beaches in Hood River.
• Dogs MUST BE ON LEASH, attached to their humans at all times on Port properties.
• Kiteboarding is a sport that requires lots of clearance to enjoy safely. Spectators and other users are urged to stay far away from kiteboarding areas.
• Campfires and bonfires are not allowed on any Port property, and regional fire and weather services are warning of significant fire spread danger this weekend.
• Underwater hazards exist at the Nichols Basin sea wall and the pilings along the waterfront. No jumping or diving from the sea wall or the pilings is allowed.
• COVID-19 is still spreading in our community and we must all do our part to avoid crowds, maintain proper social distancing, wear a mask, and take proper hand sanitation measures frequently throughout the day.

In 2017, the Port and its partners in the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing and Kiteboarding Associations (now CGW2) and Hood River Fire & EMS developed the Hood River Waterfront Safety Zones map. This map identifies several known safety hazards and also numbered areas that can be used to communicate location quickly to emergency dispatch personnel. Please view and download the map here to familiarize yourself with the area, but remember, conditions are constantly changing and new hazards may now exist.