First responders say the vast majority of deaths can be prevented by wearing a life vest. Author: Morgan Romero Updated: 5:31 PM PDT July 14, 2021 PORTLAND, Ore. — Recent trips out on the water to escape the heat turned deadly for six people in the Portland metro area in the past three weeks. Local officials say it was partly because of the pandemic. Even a gray Pacific Northwest morning didn't keep people away from the Columbia River on Wednesday. Now imagine the crowds on a hot summer day like the ones we've had recently. The pandemic pushed people outside in droves since they couldn't do much else. Many are new to water sports, which we've seen can be deadly.