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Ocean Shores officials warn of dangerous conditions at Damon Point after barrier removal
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Summary
Officials and first responders warned residents against attempting to reach Damon Point after barriers were removed, citing a 40-foot easement, rapidly moving channel (estimated 6 feet per second), limitations on water rescues and temporary $500 citation authority; signage is expected in 4-6 weeks.
Ocean Shores officials warned the public on March 17 that Damon Point remains hazardous after barriers were removed and urged residents and visitors to stay within the public easement.
The Chair told the committee that the city removed barriers from Damon Point for other events and is "looking at" expanding the public easement but has not finalized any plan. "You do have a right. The public does have a right. Just stay within that easement," the Chair said, adding the city will post "no trespassing" signs and clarify where people may go.
The Chair described the usable beach as a 40-foot easement and said some parcels at the mouth of the river are privately held. He warned people attempting to reach Damon Point would be trespassing and noted the adjoining property "belongs to the Quinault." He also said engineers estimate the channel is moving "like, 6 feet a second," making crossing extremely dangerous.
Fire Chief Ritter reinforced the safety warning and described operational limits for rescues. "It is extremely dangerous down there... when people get caught out there, it pulls our units out of service," Ritter said, adding the department can perform only shore-based rescue and "we can't do water rescues." He said the city currently has authority to cite people up to $500 for going out to the area and that the city will review that penalty.
Officials said the planning department issued guidance defining where the public can and cannot go, and that new informational signage describing safe areas and hazards should be installed in about four to six weeks. The committee discussed use of an unmanned rescue device — referred to as a "Dolphin" — and drone support; Ritter said the department has trained on the device and expects to continue training when weather permits. A department speaker said the Dolphin can "tow up to 300 pounds."
A caller during public comment asked about the RCW cited on the city's posting regarding trespass; a committee member said state law governs shoreline ownership and that certain parcels at the river mouth are treated differently than open Puget Sound beachfront. The committee did not adopt new ordinances or change enforcement authority at the meeting.
The meeting closed with reminders to stay off hazardous areas and a plan to post clearer maps and warning signs before the summer season.
