The primary mission of the Water Rescue team is to rescue passengers and crew of aircraft involved in water accidents. It also responds to life threatening emergencies on the Columbia River and requests-for-assistance from other agencies.

Because of low water temperatures in the Columbia (38°-67° F), hypothermia is a major concern. Expedient rescue is a must, and the Port´s jet-powered water-rescue boat meets this qualification. In addition, Water Rescue personnel are specially trained to deploy flotation equipment for more than 200 passengers in a matter of minutes to reduce the time victims are in the water.