Aircraft and Boat Accident Cases: Whitewater Drowning Death

National Initiative for Whitewater River Safety

Don Corson wrote to the Bureau of Land Management urging them to help create national river safety legislation for commercial outfitters. The letter was sent to officials at the national office in Washington, DC as well as each of the state offices. Click here to read the letter.

Oregon River Safety Legislation Signed Into Law

During a lawsuit against the outfitter, the Clark family's Eugene, Oregon attorney, Don Corson, discovered that there were no rules or regulations in Oregon or most of the other 50 States that mandated water rescue certification and safety equipment for whitewater outfitters and guides. First, Corson wrote to Ms.Abbie Jossie, BLM Grants Pass Field Manager (read letter). Ms.Jossie responded with this letter. Corson wrote the preliminary legislation that would require higher safety standards. Read the bill passed by the Oregon Legislature.

River Guides not Required to have Life-Saving Skills or Equipment TO STORY >

CFS Press: Flood and Swiftwater Resources. An excellent source for links about water rescue and more.
Rescue 3 International. Combining their experience and expertise, this group is perhaps the world's leading swiftwater rescue training company.


Don Corson on the need for whitewater certification (1mb Quicktime movie)	Julia Clark on helping others avoid same tragedy (1mb Quicktime movie)

Taking a Case Beyond the Courtroom and Into Legislation

The Issue & Bill Outline
Family's Plea
The Bill

When Eugene attorney Don Corson was working on the wrongful death case of former University of Oregon Law School Dean Chapin Clark, Corson knew what happened should have been against the law.

Clark was killed in 2002 on the Rogue River during a professionally guided fishing trip, because the outfitter and guide lacked the necessary rescue skills and safety equipment. The case revealed that in Oregon, there are no laws requiring such rescue skills and equipment for businesses involved in one of the state's most popular outdoor activities.

After settling the case, Don went beyond the courtroom and worked with Legislators, the Oregon State Marine Board, and the Oregon Guides and Packers Association to help write the initial draft of a new law requiring that river guides and outfitters be trained and also be equipped with river rescue and safety devices.

Working with Chapin Clark's daughter, Julia, and environmental lobbyist, Mari Ann Gest, the bills were filed by Sen. Floyd Prozanski District 4 (Portions of Douglas and Lane counties) and Rep. Phil Barnhart, District 11 (portions of Lane and Linn counties). The bill passed the Oregon Senate, and is expected to pass the House during this session.

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Family's Plea to the Legislature
—Julia Chapin
Please Support SB 57, June 2, 2005

The family of Chapin Clark urges your support for SB 579, which implements new safety requirements that may save a life and help visitors and Oregonians enjoy the best Oregon has to offer on our white water rivers.

SB 579 requires Outfitters and Guides who operate on Class III waters or higher to have training in white water rescue techniques and to equip boats with throw bags. Guides must require use of personal flotation devices on class III or higher rapids.

Unfortunately, many people die on Oregon's rivers each year. Many of these deaths are preventable. Chapin Clark, former Dean of the University of Oregon School of Law went fishing on a guided trip down the Rogue. He never made it home to enjoy his retirement and family.

The boat Dean Clark was in flipped on a rapid and due to long term exposure in the water he drowned. Dean Clark was wearing a life vest but time worked against him. The rescue attempt was delayed by not having the proper equipment on the boat and the guide was not fully trained in water rescue. In addition the guide did not wear a life vest which contributed to a slow response to rescue Dean Clark.

Dean Clark's family hopes that his death can be used to help prevent another tragic accident from occurring. In honor of Chapin Clark, we ask for your support for the new safety requirements in SB 579 that may save a life and help visitors and Oregonians to safely enjoy Oregon's rivers.

The Oregon Guides and Packers Association have worked cooperatively with the Clark family on SB 579. Dean Clark's family hopes you will vote yes for SB 579.

Thank You.
Julia Clark