Corps Stresses Safety Around Oregon Coast Jetties

Construction of the jetties began more than 100 years ago to help mariners navigate between the Pacific Ocean and coastal ports, and were never intended for recreational purposes.

The north jetty at the Coquille River. Photo courtesy: TheTravelinTexans.com

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reminds visitors to the coast that jetties were not constructed for recreation purposes and that they should avoid fishing from, and walking, driving or climbing on these structures because of the potential hazards.

Additional work has been performed on the jetties to strengthen them. Despite these moves to prolong their life and usefulness, the structures are not immune to the effects of nature.

Waves can remove even the largest boulders from jetties, and underwater currents - which penetrate the structure - remove smaller rocks and sand from inside the jetty. This creates visible and hidden dangers.

Open crevasses between large boulders create stepping hazards. Sinkholes, caused by drifting sand pushed up against the jetty being eroded by moving water inside the structure, can give way unexpectedly.

Caverns within the structure, caused by the erosion of stones and sand, could be hidden below a thin surface and suddenly collapse. Sea spray causes rock surfaces to become slippery.

Sudden larger waves, even in calm weather, can knock a person off balance or into the water. Waves and strong currents near the jetty can prevent safe recovery after a fall into the water.

The Corps manages more than 30 jetties and breakwaters along the entire length of the Oregon coast, from Astoria, south to Brookings.

Construction of the jetties began more than 100 years ago to help mariners navigate between the Pacific Ocean and coastal ports, and were never intended for recreational purposes.

For this reason, jetties should be admired for their complexity and contributions to the region from a distance.

Source: Corps of Engineers news release