AMR warns of water safety at High Rocks, outdoor pools open [Video]

The Ida B. Wells-Barnett pool in Southwest Portland was packed for much of Thursday, reaching its capacity of 200 people.

“I have a 9-year-old who is dying to go to the pool,” said Shannon Johnson, who spent the day at the pool with her son. “So that’s why we are here. He woke up this morning and said, ‘Get my goggles, get my towel,’ and here we are.”

Ingrid Beaver brought her 8-year-old son Leo to the pool. Beaver told KGW that Leo had been visiting the pool’s website daily to see when it would open for the season. 

“We just love going swimming and being outside and getting slushies and popcorn,” Beaver explained. “It’s totally what the pool and summer is all about.”

High Rocks Park in Gladstonealso saw large crowds on Thursday. But AMR’s River Rescue wants …