Salem Firefighters Rescue Stranded Boaters on The Willamette River

(Salem) - A family of four was rescued by Salem firefighters Sunday evening after their twelve-foot boat encountered engine trouble. Salem Fire's Joe Parrott says the four were on a pleasure cruise when the boat's motor apparently ran out of gas.

Boaters David and Amanda Rieben and their son Nathan and daughter Aleah were on board when the vessel conked out.

The family told firefighters that they tried rowing to shore, but lost one of the oars in the process. That's when father David Rieben jumped into the water and was able to tow the boat to shore about 1/4 mile below the Marion St bridge. The Salem Fire Department launched its rescue boat to assist.

Firefighters walked the family out to a medic unit where they were checked and released. Firefighters towed their boat back to the boat launch.

Both children were wearing life jackets.

The Salem Fire Department strongly recommends that people wear life jackets whenever they are on the water. Life jackets, and a clear understanding of the hazards associated with water are a person's best defense against drowning.