Henry Hagg Lake has an unfortunate history of drownings that has spanned over the last few decades. On Saturday, August 14th, Satoru Kamoshita, 61, of Beaverton, was out kayaking and enjoying his free time when he decided to exit his boat for a light swim. Unfortunately, 9-1-1 dispatchers started receiving reports that a swimmer had not resurfaced the water near Boat Ramp C.
A dive team found the deceased Satoru Kamoshita around 6:20 p.m. — three hours after the initial reports. Satoru Kamoshita was known as a friend, mentor, and teacher at the Hillsboro Aero Academy, where he had taught for the last 24 years. His passion was flying, and many remember him as an adventurous dreamer and deeply feel his loss.
For decades, Hagg Lake has seen several drownings, and many families are affected by the dangers. Even experienced swimmers can find themselves in dangerous situations. This is why making sure you are aware of your surroundings and taking preventive measures when your family goes to lakes is essential to your activity.
3 Steps to Keep You and Your Family Safe on the Water in Oregon
Unlike pools, lakes and rivers often have areas that are deeper and may startle the swimmer. There are many things to be aware of when taking a trip to an Oregon lake that can keep your family and yourself safe. Consider the three following tips that may assist you in your next adventure:
Know the Water
The dangers of a lake often depend on the time of year or prior weather conditions. For example, in the summer months, the water lines recede toward hidden drop-offs that may be life-threatening for some swimmers. The currents can also become stronger after rainfall due to rising water levels.
Wear the Right Gear
In lakes and rivers, the bottom flooring is not solid concrete like in a pool. There are rocks and other natural materials that sit on the bottom and can harm your feet, which is why it is vital that you wear shoes. This is also extremely important for young swimmers, as well as wearing life jackets in case of a sudden dropoff.
Stay Hydrated
When you are in the cool water, it is hard to tell when you are dehydrated until it’s serious. Many swimmers may feel confident without realizing that they’re dehydrated and lack a sufficient amount of energy to get out of the water. While you can stop running or biking when you are tired, you can’t stop swimming, and that is why many experienced swimmers become susceptible to the dangers of the water.
While spending time on the water is a great way to enjoy time outside with people you love, it is crucial that you keep an eye out for any hazardous situations. However, some moments are the result of someone else’s negligence. If you suffer injuries due to someone else’s carelessness, contact a personal injury attorney immediately.
Trust a Reliable Personal Injury Lawyer at Rizk Law
Our Rizk Law lawyers understand that the aftermath of an injury can be frightening and confusing. The many types of documents you’ll need to gather and processes to go through are all unfamiliar and complicated. However, we are proud to offer accessible and trustworthy legal representation for your personal injury claim.
With years of experience working alongside our clients, we have the resources and connections to help navigate you through the claim process. Our goal is to make sure that your rights and interests are protected. Call (503) 245-5677 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
