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A river trip should be exciting, but it can also be a dangerous experience. To avoid problems or injuries, it is important to prepare carefully for a safe trip.
The Delaware River does not have particularly hazardous rapids. At average water levels, the Upper Delaware has only a few Class II or II+ rapids. However, moving water can be deceptive and potentially treacherous, even for non-paddlers. More drownings on the Delaware River have been swimming-related than boating-related. In almost all cases, the victims were not wearing a properly fitted life jacket.
Planning for a safe river trip begins well before you get on the water and doesn't end until you return home. By following the steps and information listed below, you will better understand how to safely and comfortably enjoy the river.
Always be Prepared
- Wear a life jacket and river shoes.
- Bring a spare paddle, a throw line, and a first aid kit.
- Bring adequate drinking water with you.
Protect yourself from heat-related illnesses. Heat cramps are the warning sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. Resting and drinking water will help prevent more serious illness like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Do not drink river or stream water.
- Be aware of river conditions.
Call the Upper Delaware River Hotline at 845 252-7100. This recorded message is available 24 hours a day and is updated daily during the boating season. It provides the river height, air and water temperatures, boating conditions and general river safety information.
- Be ready for changing weather and cold water.
Have raingear. To protect against hypothermia, have clothing made of wool, polypropylene, high-performance fleece, or a wet suit. Immersion hypothermia is the numbing effect that cold water has on the body. Hypothermia is possible whenever the water temperature falls below 70° F. Loss of body heat is 25 times greater in cold water than in air of the same temperature.
- Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Arrange drop off and pick up points before you leave. Leave emergency phone numbers and vehicle description and tag numbers with someone who can report that you are overdue.
- Carry in/carry out all your belongings, including trash.
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs while on the river.
Alcohol makes you more susceptible to heat-related illness. In an emergency, it slows your response. Never impair your judgment while on the river.
Laws on underage drinking, possession of illegal drugs, disorderly conduct, and littering are strictly enforced!
It's easy to get burned before you realize it on a cool, refreshing river. Knees, backs of hands, neck and tops of feet are most susceptible to burns. Be sure you apply waterproof sunscreen or keep your skin covered.
- Be aware of upstream releases and sudden changes in water depth and speed.
- Emergency Contact Numbers for the Upper Delaware:
911
National Park Service: 845 557-0222
New York State Police
Delaware County: 607 467-3215
Sullivan County: 845 252-3212
Orange County: 845 856-6500
Pennsylvania State Police
Honesdale: 570 253-7126
Blooming Grove: 570 775-7374
- Cell phones may not work along the river.
Your Safety is Your Responsibility
- Always Wear Your Life Jacket.
It's smart to wear a life jacket—while boating, tubing, fishing, wading, or swimming on the river. The National Park Service recommends that you always wear it when you're near the water. By law, all children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while on the river in any vessel, including inner tubes. Every person in a boat or using an inner tube must have a life jacket withing reach, not tied to the vessel. Each person's life jacket must be the proper size and in good condition.
Violators will be fined!
- Use Proper Boating Techniques.
Kneel when canoeing in rapids to keep your weight low. This helps avoid capsizing. In rapids, aim for the downstream "V".
Paddle on opposite sides of the canoe. Hold onto your paddle, not the boat.
Paddle around eel weirs Avoid these large, "V"-shaped wooden and rock traps, usually constructed by late summer.
Always be courteous on the river You may encounter a variety of river users on your trip. Please respect their rights and act responsibly and ethically.
- Don't panic. Stay upstream of the boat so it does not pin you against a rock.
- Don’t attempt to stand in rapids. Get on your back and keep your feet up and pointed downstream to push off obstacles.
Never swim against the current. Backstroke and let the current assist you to shore.
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Most drownings on the Delaware River have been swimming-related.
The Upper Delaware includes swift currents, rapids, eddies, sudden drop-offs, slippery rocks, and floating or submerged debris.
There are no designated or life-guarded swimming areas on the Upper Delaware River.
Wear a life jacket and appropriate footwear while swimming, wading, or floating.
Never try to stand in rapids. Your foot could get trapped between submerged rocks. The current could push you over and hold you under even if you are wearing a life jacket.
Do not jump or dive from cliffs, rocks, or bridges into the river; the water may be shallow and objects may be submerged.
Never attempt to swim across the river.
Protect the River and Others Around You
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Obey all regulations and respect all resources
Boating and alcohol or other drugs don't mix. Never impair your judgment while on the river. Laws on underage drinking, possession of illegal drugs, disorderly conduct, and littering are strictly enforced!
Observe fishing limits and seasons. Display your fishing license properly; fishing regulations are enforced. Do not fish from any bridge.
Respect private property. More than 85 percent of the land along the river is privately owned.
Do not remove or deface cultural artifacts or natural features.
Don't litter. Be sure to tie all gear—except life jacketss—to your boat. Carry-in, carry-out. No glass containers on or near the river.
If you have questions or need assistance, look for National Park Service rangers or volunteers, who are there to help.
Respect the River
Don't Become a Statistic
Since 1980, when Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River began river operations, 50 drownings have been recorded on the Upper Delaware River.
48 of the victims were not wearing life jackets; the other 2 were not wearing their life jacket properly and it came off.
At least 20% of the deaths were drug or alcohol related fatalities.
Over 65% of the drownings occurred while victims were swimming or wading.
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