Agencies across Oregon are urging people to play it safe on lakes and rivers during continuing hot weather. This follows a suspected drowning on the Columbia River.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office said it happened around 5:15 Sunday night when 35-year-old Kevin McDowell of Portland jumped off a boat to help a woman struggling to swim.

Portland Fire assisted marine patrol deputies after witnesses said the woman got to safety and McDowell never resurfaced. First responders continued their search into Monday, after the sheriff's office said they presumed McDowell drowned. They said Monday afternoon they had not found his body.

"Unfortunately, we see this more times than we would like to experience year-round, and whether it’s intentional or accidental it’s a loss," said Lt. Rich Tyler with Portland Fire & Rescue.

KATU asked Portland Fire what they recommend for those who witness a person struggling to swim. Tyler said his team uses Oregon Marine Board recommendations.

"We don’t want anyone, really, to get in the river, and let those of us that can, if we have to, that are trained to do that. Now, it takes us a minute to get there. So, if they can do something again, throw a life jacket. Take a boat out to them," he said.

Estacada Fire responded to their 10th water rescue of 2022 on Saturday.

"When there’s a water rescue incident, our last one took three and a half hours to complete looking for three missing swimmers. So, that’s really resource dependent," said Deputy Chief Joe Smith.

Smith said his department is small, with usually only two firefighters on staff at any given time. He's now urging people to stay safe, especially with the speed and force of the Clackamas River.

"You're not going to be able to really swim against the current. You’re going to have to go with the current right there, and you’re kind of at the mercy of the river at that point, and when you become exhausted, that’s when you become in trouble really fast," Smith said.

Smith said Estacada Fire did receive grant funding to add more life jackets and ropes, and they hope to work with surrounding agencies for swift water rescue training later this summer.