News Release

Lifejacket Wear Mandatory this Weekend

Date: August 18, 2023
Contact: Kathleen Sandt, [phone]

BUSHKILL, PA- The National Park Service reminds all boaters and paddlers that due to high water over the next several days, wearing a properly fitted and fastened, United States Coast Guard-approved life jacket is required at all times while on the Delaware River. Swimming is also prohibited at park beaches due to hazardous conditions.

“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 swifter and stronger currents, reduced visibility, colder water temperatures, increased sediment and debris, and other hazards.  

At 2:15 pm on Friday, August 18, 2023, the Delaware River was at just under 8’ at the Montague gauge. It is expected to rise an additional 4’ cresting around 8 am on Saturday, August 19, at just under 12’. It is expected to remain above 8’ through the weekend.  Normal river levels for this time of year are between 5-6’.

According to Acting Chief Ranger Todd Roessner, “wearing a lifejacket anytime one is on or near the river is the most important thing people can do to keep themselves safe. It is even more important when the river is high, cold, and swift like it will be over the next few days.”  

River levels can be monitored at National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.