Do you know that drowning is one of the leading causes of
death in children under the age of 14, and usually in front of their parents?
A Bluegrass Festival has been held in
Troutdale (Troutdale Bite and Bluegrass Festival) to introduce visitors to the area and promote bluegrass music, but
also to educate the public about AMR’s River Rescue Team efforts on the Sandy
River in Troutdale, and the dangers of swimming in the Sandy River.
The river rescue program began in 1999 after the
City of
In 1999AMR proposed a pilot project to staff the park with
highly trained lifeguards and river rescue technicians. Since the inception of
this program, there has been no drowning at the park during the summer months
under AMR's watch !
The AMR River Safety Program is accredited thru the USLA (United States
Lifesaving Association) which develops national standards on life guarding and
open-water rescue.
The local AMR team is the only team in the Pacific
NW that holds an "Advanced Agency Accreditation".
AMR staffs the
Donna Erwin presented an $850 check to AMR's Program
coordinator, Scott Campbell, during a special presentation at Troutdale City
Council. The check represents Troutdale Bite & Bluegrass Festival revenue
generated for Troutdale's River Safety Programs, and the efforts of Donna Erwin,
Barbara Kyle, Sharon Sandgren and their families. Jan. 27, 2009