As summer approaches, officials at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are emphasizing the importance of water safety. They are urging visitors to wear life jackets when engaging in water activities. Public affairs specialist Kathleen Sandt highlighted that none of the 104 drowning victims since 1971 wore properly fitted life jackets.
"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 Sandt to the Pocono Record. However, she warned that under the calm surface lurk strong currents and the river's depth can change very quickly, making it difficult to get footing.
New signs have been posted at popular swimming locations to remind people of the potential risks of going out on the water without a life jacket. Sandt stressed that drowning is a once-in-a-lifetime event and urged visitors to take it seriously. She also pointed out that not all flotation devices are created equal, and that life jackets are far more effective than non-safety flotation devices like inner tubes.
The park service continues to promote safe enjoyment of the Delaware River and has loaner life jackets available for visitors. They also advise visitors to never swim alone and to never try to swim across the 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.