PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A water rescue became a recovery effort at Hagg Lake after a man went under the water and did not resurface, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said.
Monday afternoon, around 2:15 p.m. an adult man went swimming at the Eagle Creek Recreation Area in Scoggins Valley Park, near Boat Ramp A and went under the water. He did not resurface and a rescue effort was immediately launched.
Multiple agencies arrived at the scene, including the Lake Oswego Dive Team in full wet suits. After a few hours with no surfacing, first responders say the search became a recovery, rather than a rescue. Lake Oswego fire’s dive team assisted but because of the excessive heat, the search was suspended for the evening.
The man has not been publicly identified, but his family is at Hagg Lake. It is unclear if he was wearing a lifejacket. Deputies say the man will be identified at a later date.
“We have life jackets at all of the boat ramps that are free for you to utilize during the day,” Washington County Sheriff’s Sgt. Danny DiPietro said. “Know your capabilities. Understand there are going to be very hot temperatures and you can get exhausted a little easier.”
Authorities said the terrain in Hagg Lake includes some especially deep drop offs that pose an increased drowning risk.
“There are warning signs posted all over the lake where we know there are drop-offs so make sure you are reading the warning signs and understand what’s out there when you’re swimming at the location that you’re at,” DiPietro said.
KOIN 6 News will have more information as it develops.