Water Safety
At the YMCA of Douglas County, our mission is to educate, equip, and empower our community to stay safe in and around water. With rivers and waterways all around us, water safety isn’t just important—it’s essential. Through our year-round commitment to drowning prevention, the Y provides access to life-saving skills, resources, and education for individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds.
We’ve installed River Rescue Stations at six popular local swimming areas to offer immediate help in emergencies. Each summer, we provide free, properly fitted youth life jackets—more than 3,700 given away in recent years—to ensure children have the protection they need near open water. Our swimming lessons, available for all ages and skill levels, help build confidence and competence in the water. We also offer lifeguard and swim instructor training, empowering others to teach and protect.
Even on the hottest days, local rivers can be dangerously cold, and fast-moving water can catch even strong swimmers off guard. That’s why we urge everyone to Know Before You Go—check river temperatures, wear a life jacket, and make safe, informed decisions around water.
Together, with your support, we are creating a safer, stronger, more prepared community.
Water Safety in Action: Our Local Impact
Rescue River Stations
The YMCA installed River Rescue Stations at six popular swimming spots across Douglas County: Riverbend Park in Winston, Stewart Park, Cleveland Rapids Park, River Forks Park, Whistler’s Bend Park, and Hestness Landing. Each station is equipped with life-saving equipment and clear instructions to assist in water emergencies—providing critical support when every second counts.
Free Youth Life Jackets
Through generous community support, we’ve distributed more than 3,700 free, properly fitted youth life jackets over the past several summers. These life jackets are available at community and YMCA events throughout the season and are also stocked at our River Rescue Stations for public use. By removing cost as a barrier, we’re helping families take simple, life-saving steps toward safer water recreation.
Safety Through Education
At the YMCA, water safety starts with education and access. As part of our mission to equip the community, we offer a variety of swim lesson levels year-round—open to the public and designed for all ages and abilities. We also provide lifeguard certification courses, helping ensure our entire region is staffed with trained, capable professionals. Most recently, our Aquatics team certified 16 new lifeguards who are now serving at pools and facilities throughout Douglas County—not just at the Y.
YMCA Water Safety Signage & Life Jacket Stations Installed Locally
The YMCA of Douglas County, in partnership with Douglas County Parks and FX Signs, has installed new water safety signage and life jacket stations at Ben Irving Reservoir in Tenmile and Cooper Creek Reservoir in Sutherlin. These efforts aim to enhance safety at two of our community’s most popular recreation areas—both of which have experienced water-related tragedies in the past. Each location now features a “No Swimming” dock sign and a stocked life jacket station offering free youth life jackets. This project expands the Y’s ongoing mission to educate, equip, and empower our community to stay safe in and around water.
