SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Authorities are searching for a woman who went missing near Clearwater Park on Wednesday.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office said they received a report at about 6:45 p.m. that a woman swimming without a life jacket had gone underwater and did not resurface.
A rescue team and divers were sent Wednesday, Thursday and again Friday morning.
Longtime parkgoers said that the Middle Fork Willamette River near the area has a strong current and recommended against swimming near the Clearwater Park landing.
"It's not something for someone who isn't an experienced swimmer to be swimming in. It's deceiving, with it looking as calm as it is, because the current is stronger than you could imagine," said Springfield resident Denise Porter. "Always wear a life preserver because you don't know what's under the water, for one."
The woman has not been located, but the sheriff’s office said they have been in contact with her family.
The woman is 22 years old and her family is not local.