River Safety Advisory for July 4th Weekend

Date: July 2, 2015
Contact: Kathleen Sandt, Public Affairs Specialist, [phone] (O); [phone] (C)

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Superintendent John J. Donahue announced today that due to high water, all boaters and paddlers are required to wear a properly fitted, United States Coast Guard-approved lifejacket at all times while on the Delaware River. Swimming is also prohibited at the park's three lifeguarded beaches and is strongly discouraged elsewhere throughout the river corridor until water levels recede. Picnic areas and other facilities at the beaches will remain open. "We are expecting a busy holiday weekend with nice weather," said Donahue. "The National Park Service wants all of our visitors to have a safe and enjoyable time in the park. Wearing a life jacket is one simple thing that people can do to keep themselves safe on or near the water."

"Mandatory wear" regulations are in effect in the park anytime the river level at the Montague, NJ, gauge reads 8' or higher; the NPS closes the river corridor and all access points when the river level reaches 15'. Rises in river levels bring colder water temperatures, swifter currents, and increased sediment and debris. Current river levels can be monitored at:  

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=bgm&gage=mtgn4&hydro_type=0.