Oregon Lawmakers Urge Coast Guard to Reassess Gold Beach, Bandon Rescue Coverage

Congresswoman Hoyle, Senators Merkley and Wyden call for updated assessment of search and rescue needs along the dangerous Oregon coast

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Oregon lawmakers have sent a letter to the U.S. Coast Guard requesting an updated assessment of the search and rescue needs in the coastal communities of Gold Beach and Bandon. The lawmakers argue that the current level of Coast Guard coverage is insufficient to keep people safe, as the ocean conditions in these areas are extremely dangerous with sudden wave breaks and unpredictable sandbars. They are urging the Coast Guard to restore a stronger presence in the region to respond to emergencies and protect both local residents and visitors.

Why it matters

The Oregon coast, particularly around the mouths of rivers like the Rogue River in Gold Beach, is known for its treacherous conditions that pose a serious risk to boaters. With an increase in on-water traffic and emergencies in recent years, the lawmakers believe the Coast Guard needs to reassess its resources and staffing to ensure adequate search and rescue capabilities to protect lives in these vulnerable coastal communities.

The details

In their letter to the Coast Guard Commandant, the lawmakers cited specific dangers in the region, including the unpredictable and sudden wave breaks at the mouth of the Rogue River in Gold Beach, as well as the dangerous bar that over 23,000 boaters have to navigate each year in Bandon. They noted that local ports and captains have had to take on the Coast Guard's responsibilities to warn the community of changing conditions and carry out rescues themselves due to the lack of a reliable Coast Guard presence.

  • On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden sent the letter to the U.S. Coast Guard Commandant.

The players

Congresswoman Val Hoyle

The U.S. Representative for Oregon's 4th congressional district.

Senator Jeff Merkley

A U.S. Senator representing Oregon.

Senator Ron Wyden

A U.S. Senator representing Oregon.

Admiral Kevin E. Lunday

The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

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What they’re saying

“The ocean off the Oregon's south coast is both beautiful and powerful. It is essential for the communities of Bandon and Gold Beach to have a Coast Guard presence again. Whether it's our commercial fisherman or tourists taking whale watching trips, a timely response by the U.S. Coast Guard when a boat gets in trouble could mean the difference between a rescue or a body recovery. I will continue to fight for a robust USCG presence along all parts of the Oregon's coast. It is the surest way to protect lives.”

— Rep. Val Hoyle (kval.com)

“A reliable Coast Guard presence is critical to keeping folks on the south coast safe where boaters—recreational and commercial—face extreme cold-water conditions, dynamic weather conditions, and shifting sand bars. I urge the Coast Guard to take a closer look at the seasonal staffing needs of the communities in Gold Beach and Bandon, prioritizing our local economies and public safety in the process.”

— Sen. Jeff Merkley (kval.com)

“Every minute matters whenever people are fighting for their lives in the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast. I'll keep battling side by side with Senator Merkley and Congresswoman Hoyle to provide the robust Coast Guard coverage needed by Oregonians living and working on the South Coast, as well as by visitors attracted to the region's beautiful beaches.”

— Sen. Ron Wyden (kval.com)

What’s next

The Coast Guard Commandant is expected to review the lawmakers' letter and conduct an updated assessment of the search and rescue needs in Gold Beach and Bandon in the coming months.

The takeaway

This push by Oregon's congressional delegation highlights the critical importance of maintaining a robust U.S. Coast Guard presence along the state's rugged and dangerous southern coastline to protect the lives of local residents, commercial fishermen, and visitors alike.