Swimmers, boaters urged to wear life jackets on fast-moving Delaware River

Visitors swimming in or boating on the Delaware River are reminded to wear life jackets as the busy summer season kicks off at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

"The river will carry you through rural landscapes, untouched scenery, and has a few small ripples, but no major rapids in this stretch of river, which makes it absolutely perfect for beginner paddlers and those who just want to take a relaxing trip on the river," said Kathleen Sandt, park spokesperson, during a Tuesday press call regarding trip planning and safety at numerous National Park Service sites.

Under that calm surface lurk strong currents, Sandt said.

"The river depth varies from about a foot to 55 feet, and it can change very quickly. You can be wading up to your knees, and take two steps, and be over your head," she said, adding that the river's current combines with a rocky, slippery, uneven bottom to make it difficult to get your footing.

On average, two people drown each year in the park, with 104 drownings since the park started keeping records in 1971, Sandt said.

"Not a single one of those people were wearing a properly fitted and fastened life jacket at the time of their death," she said.

Sandt urged visitors to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets "when on, in or near the Delaware River or other bodies of water. A life jacket can save your life, but only if you wear it, and wear it properly."

The park has loaner life jackets available.

Life guards are not on duty in the park. Sandt advised visitors to never swim alone, and to never try to swim across the river.

When are life jackets required on the Delaware River?

Children 12 and younger must always wear life jackets on any vessel in the water and everyone else must have one available. Life jackets are mandatory for all boaters between Nov. 1 and April 30 on vessels less than 16 feet long.

Sandt recommended checking the weather and river levels before heading to the park. Life jackets are required if the water level reaches 8 feet. At 15 feet, access points are closed and swimming is prohibited.

Kathryne Rubright is the managing editor of the Pocono Record and the Tri-County Independent. Reach her at krubright@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Swimmers, boaters urged to wear life jackets on Delaware River