July 4, 2019 4:05 a.m.
Officials with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Douglas County Fire District No. 2 want people to be aware of several obstructions in areas of the North Umpqua River between the end of Sunburn Alley and River Forks Park.

Sergeant Brad O’Dell said between last summer and this summer, debris and logs have accumulated in the rapids between these two points and may pose a significant risk to boaters and individuals floating the river.

O’Dell said local public safety officials are working with the Oregon State Marine Board to address the concern, but in the interest of safety, want to make the public aware of the obstructions. He said that people who choose to navigate this area should scout ahead and use extreme caution.
O’Dell said often these obstructions are not visible until it is too late to change course. He said as always, the department encourages everyone to safely enjoy the water sober and to wear their life jacket.
Lieutenant Ryan Felker of Fire District No. 2 said the District has posted signs warning those arriving at boat ramps of the hazards. He said the district understands that life jackets can be cumbersome and sometimes an annoyance, which is why it is so important to find one that fits correctly, is comfortable and used. Felker said there have been multiple incidents that have taken the lives of individuals, but “had they been wearing a life jacket the outcome may have been different”.