Rising river triggers mandatory life jacket and no-swimming rules

BUSHKILL — The recent driving rains have swelled the Delaware River to the point that life jackets are mandatory wear today and through the weekend.
“Mandatory wear” regulations are in effect in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area anytime the river level at the Montague, N.J., gauge reads eight feet or higher, said Kathleen Sandt, Public Affairs Specialist, in a news release Thursday. Swimming is also prohibited whenever hazardous conditions exist, regardless of the river level.
The National Park Service closes the river corridor and all access points when the river level reaches 15 feet. Higher water levels bring stronger and faster currents, colder water temperatures, lower visibility, and increased debris in the water.
As of 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, the river level at Montague was recorded at 9.7 feet, which is 4 to 5 vertical feet higher than average for this time of year. It is expected to crest on Friday at just over 11 feet. No river closures are expected at this time but water levels are expected to remain high through the weekend.
River levels can be monitored at: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=bgmandgage=mtgn4.
Park rangers say the life jacket must be properly fitted and United States Coast Guard-approved.
"The National Park Service wants everyone to be safe on and near the river whether they are fishing, boating, paddling, or swimming," said Sandt's news release. "Wearing a life jacket is the one thing that people can do to give them the best chance at surviving a sudden, unexpected fall into the water. And it is the law."
For more information on Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and updates on river levels, call park headquarters at 570-426-2452, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.; visitnps.gov/dewa, or follow Facebook.com/DelWaterGapNPS.