Second recent drowning of swimmer lacking life jacket on Upper Delaware River

A drowning on the Upper Delaware River a mile and half below the Roebling Bridge in Barryville, NY, drew assistance from the National Park Service, Sullivan County Dive Task Force, the Matamoras Dive Team, and the Yulan, Shohola, and Sparrowbush Fire Departments on September 3.

A group of family and friends from Flanders, NY had gone into the river for a swim. One person not wearing a life jacket was noticed to be in distress in the main channel of the river where the current is swift with steep drop-offs. Although bystanders tried to assist the struggling swimmer, the swimmer was seen going under water without resurfacing.

The emergency call came in around 1:29 p.m., and National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers and other emergency crews quickly responded to the scene, but it was too late.

This was the second drowning in the park this year. Out of the 76 drownings in the park since 1980, 57% were related to swimming and none of the victims were wearing a properly fitted and fastened lifejacket at the time of their death.

The Upper Delaware River can be deceiving on the surface, especially when water levels are low. Surface waters can appear placid, but underneath the current can be strong and swift and cause people to panic when they find themselves in the river’s powerful current.

Also, steep drop-offs may not be visible to those wading in the water until they find themselves in the deep rapidly moving waters of the river. Park staff recommend that all river users always wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times when on or near the river and especially when swimming. It is the one piece of safety equipment that will save a life when worn properly and in good condition.