Medford, OR – Rural Metro Fire and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office are urging residents to stay off the Rogue River as it experiences dangerously high water conditions. Despite this official warning, officials acknowledge that people continue to enter the river, often resulting in emergency situations that require significant resources.
As of 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, search crews were actively looking for an individual seen floating downstream on a pallet. The person was observed below the 4500 block of Riverbanks Road, but efforts to locate them have been hampered by the fast-moving water. Authorities have not confirmed whether the person is in distress, but their rapid movement downstream has made it difficult for crews to conduct a successful search.
Rural Metro Fire officials emphasized that, regardless of an individual’s skill level or confidence in navigating flood conditions, their presence in the water can lead to emergency calls that stretch resources. The department stressed that even routine water-related activities, such as floating on the river, can quickly escalate into dangerous situations in such high water conditions.
The warning comes as the Rogue River’s water levels have risen significantly, creating hazardous currents that can overwhelm even experienced water enthusiasts. Authorities are continuing their search for the individual, but they are also reminding the public of the dangers posed by high water, urging everyone to avoid the river until conditions improve.