This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marysday Surnames: Davis, Kusz, Robertson, Classification: death Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.oregon.counties.lincoln/5265/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The News Guard Lincoln City, OR 97367 2/17/2010 Man dies trying to save dog Heavy surf keeps water rescuers busy A 72-year-old Lake Oswego man died trying to save his dog from heavy surf at the D River Wayside on Valentine's Day. Richard William Davis, known as Bill, was reportedly playing fetch with his black Labrador at about 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, when the dog chased the stick into the ocean. Eyewitnesses said the dog got caught by a wave and Davis rushed into the incoming tide to try to rescue the animal. When another wave knocked Davis off his feet and started to drag him out to sea, one witness went into the surf to try to pull him out while others dialed 911. Lt. Jim Kusz, of North Lincoln Fire & Rescue District #1, said that as the water rescue team arrived on scene, radio traffic made it clear they would likely be dealing with recovery of a body rather than a rescue. Clad in drysuits, the team waded into the surf to try to grab hold of Davis, who Kusz said was floating just yards from shore. Team Leader Peter Robertson was able to grab Davis and bring him to shore, where rescuers began CPR. Pacific West Ambulance transported Davis to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital where he was pronounced dead just before 10 a.m. According to Oregon State Police, members of Davis' family approached troopers gathering witness statements on the beach after the incident. Troopers helped get family members to the hospital, where they were able to formally identify the body. The dog made it back to shore unharmed and was reunited with Davis' family. Later the same day, as the tide was on its way out at about 1:30 p.m., the water rescue team responded to a second call near N.W. 21st St., where a Portland man was swept into the water while walking on the beach. Kusz said the man made it back to shore with help from his wife but that the incident further highlights the dangers to those walking the beach when the surf is high. Kusz said the Oregon Coast is entering its deadliest period for ocean-related deaths as improved weather conditions attract visitors who are unfamiliar with the ocean. "Even though the weather is clear and the sun is out and it may feel warm, we are still in season, " he said. "It's still winter time." Rough ocean conditions led Depoe Bay Fire District to issue an advisory through its Nixle alert system Friday, Feb. 12, warning of high surf through Thursday, Feb. 18. Kusz said he plans to step up his outreach work to local lodging facilities through the Just Add Water Safety, or JAWS, program. "I really would encourage hotels and motels in that area to monitor conditions," he said, "and let their guests know that 'today is not a good day to be on the beach.'" Kusz said the water rescue team does respond to reports of animals in distress and carries out a "risk-benefit analysis" before deciding whether to risk team members' lives in a rescue attempt. He said anyone who sees an animal caught in the surf should stay on shore, call 911 and allow professional rescuers to assess the situation. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.