River Safety

A life jacket cannot save you if you are not wearing one!

• Children aged 12 and under MUST wear Coast Guard-approved lifejackets at all times when on the river.
  
• Jackets must fit appropriately, and be fully fastened to be effective. Wearing a life jacket is not just common sense, it is THE LAW.
  
• Lifejackets aren't just for kids. Any person paddling or boating MUST have their own US Coast Guard approved lifejacket or PFD onboard and readily accessible in case of emergency.
  
• All boaters must wear lifejackets on boats less than 16 feet in length and on canoes and on kayaks, from November 1 through April 30, to protect boaters from cold water shock if they fall into the water.
  
• Always wear your lifejacket on and in the water.

 

Wearing a life vest/PFD is your best chance to get on the river with a high level of safety. Don't risk it, Wear It!

If you capsize, remain calm!

• Hold on. Even a capsized canoe or kayak will float,.
  
• Move to the upstream end of your vessel, if possible, to avoid being pinned between it and any debris downstream.
  
• Lay on your back with your legs and feet pointed downstream.
  
• Never attempt to stand in rapids or fast-moving water.
  
• When you feel you have regained some control, attempt to slant toward shore.
  
• Save people first. Boats and gear can
  be recovered later.

 

Wear It Swimming means setting the example for others by swimming safely

Graphic Courtesy of Safeboatingcampaign.com

Paddling is hard work and may tire you out.

Many visitors make plans to travel down the beautiful Delaware river for a day or two. This can be a real challenge for someone not used to the physical effort of paddling miles down a river. Sometimes, our dedicated law enforcement rangers are called on to assist stranded or injured travellers for everything from losing a kayak downstream, canoe tip-overs, and the occasional sprained ankle. We are here for you if you need help. Trust in that.

 

Want to Learn More?

River Safety Water Safety in the Delaware River

Incident? Follow these steps:

• Stay Calm and remove yourself to a safe area; Help will come to you
• Contact 911, or the park Emergency Operations Center at 570-426-2457 if you have an emergency
• Know your surroundings; Keep an eye out for important landmarks to describe where you are located in an emergency
• Download the NPS App to your phone prior to your visit and download the maps for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Keep your phone and identification in a waterproof bag for safety

Important tips for having a safe and fun time on the river:

• Always wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD) in the water.
• Never drink alcohol and swim
• Never try to swim across the river. Don't risk your life
• Keep extra water with you
• Wear sturdy footwear when on the river. Broken glass from 50 years ago is still found the hard way. Don't let it happen to you

Note:

River hazards include strong currents, boat traffic, and strainers (obstacles that allow water to pass through them, but trap boats and people). Watch where you and your vessel are going, and please follow park regulations with regards to water safety.