There were two drownings on Portland Creeks last week due to extreme precipitation and flooding over the weekend – one on Johnson Creek and one on Bronson Creek (see attached news story). The one on Johnson Creek was accompanied by a report of someone floating down the creek clutching a couch cushion. EMS responded but the rescue was called off due to two rescue personnel getting knocked off their boat. According to news reports, both drownings appear to be individuals who were camping creekside. Many urban areas in the northwest have a large number of people who camp in riparian zones. In addition to the environmental damage they do, they are at high risk of drowning when streams flood. This event also is an example of the additional risk to rescue personnel when they respond in a flood. I would not want to swim in flooded Johnson Creek.