River Safety

 
view of river. Sign next to river reads "Life Jackets Save Lives" with a graphic of a life jacket and NPS arrowhead. More text reads "Swimming, boating, fishing, floating. Wear It!"

NPS

 

Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River offers amazing opportunities to enjoy the river through a variety activities such as boating, fishing, tubing, and swimming. While the river may look serene and peaceful, looks can be deceiving. The current is often stronger than it appears and conditions are constantly changing. New obstacles can emerge after high water events or be invisible from the surface. Moving water can be very dangerous and can still be quite cold even on a warm day, leading to shock. Stay safe by reviewing best practices for river safety.

 
 

Wearing a Life Jacket

One of the easiest things you can do to keep yourself safe on or in the river is by wearing a properly-fitted life jacket. It is a fact—life jackets save lives. We strongly recommend everyone wears a life jacket while on or in the water.

 
 

Wear It and Wear It Right!

Life jackets can only do their job if they are in good condition and worn correctly. A life jacket should fit snugly to the person so that the shoulders of life jacket cannot be pulled above one’s ears. Test the buoyancy of your life jacket each year and make sure it is still in good condition.

 
Blond man wearing lifejacket. Lifejacket buckles are closed, but jacket fits very loosely. Man lifts jacket and the jacket's shoulders easily can be lifted over his ears. Blond man wearing lifejacket. Lifejacket buckles are closed, but jacket fits very loosely. Man lifts jacket and the jacket's shoulders easily can be lifted over his ears.

Left image
A loose-fitting life jacket, even if buckled or zipped closed, will not save your life.
Credit: NPS

Right image
A properly fitted life jacket is snug and cannot slip over the head.
Credit: NPS

 

Loaner Life Jacket Program

Did you forget to bring a life jacket? Don’t let that stop you from being safe! Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River has a life jacket lending program, where visitors can borrow life jackets for free at certain public access points. Life jacket lending stations are open between Memorial Day to Labor Day.

 
Bulletin sign with text in English and Spanish saying one can borrow a lifejacket and instructions on how to use it. Below the sign is a railing with red and blue life jackets hung on it.
Loaner lifejacket station by river during a high water event.

NPS

River Conditions

Always check the river conditions before getting out on the river. Be mindful of upstream releases and changes in water depth and speed.

Call the Upper Delaware River Hotline at 845-252-7100 for daily information about river height, air and water temperatures, boating conditions, and general river safety. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from May 1 to October 1.

We also strongly recommend you check our Alerts page for any hazardous river conditions conditions. Learn more about the risk levels of different river conditions on our River Conditions & Recommendations page.

 
 
 

How to Be Safe on the River

 

What Should I Do If I...

 
Visitor in life jacket sits in shallow water along river. His boat is bached on some nearby rocks.
Always communicate with someone your trip plans in case something happens.

NPS

Come Prepared and Have a Plan

Always plan ahead and do your research before you arrive at the river.

  • Check weather forecast and the river conditions.
  • Bring the appropriate gear:
    • Life jacket
    • Closed-toed shoes
    • Extra clothes
    • Sunscreen
    • Rain gear
    • As applicable: boat and/or fishing equipment, valid NY or PA fishing license
  • Bring food and water.
  • Communicate: Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Remember that there is limited cell phone service in the park and in some areas you may not have cell phone reception.
  • Know Who to Call in an Emergency: Emergency dispatch information is below.
  • Whenever possible, stay with your group.
 

Recommended Packing List

 

Hypothermia Risks

Hypothermia occurs when the body is at a dangerously low temperature. It is possible to develop hypothermia whenever the water temperature falls below 70°F). Loss of body heat is 25 times greater in water compared to air of the same temperature. The body can also go into shock when entering cold water.

Always wear a life jacket when on the river to reduce the risk of cold water shock and cold water drownings. Wear materials such as wool, polypropylene, high performance fleece, or a wet suit to stay warm. Always bring an extra change of clothes.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of hypothermia on our Safety page.

 

Alcohol and Drugs

These substances can make heat-related illnesses worse and slow your response to an emergency or life-threatening situation. Laws on underage drinking, possession and use of illegal drugs, disorderly conduct and littering are strictly enforced.

 

Emergency Contact Numbers

In an emergency call 911.

National Park Service 24 Hour Dispatch: 570-426-2457

New York State Police
Deposit (near Hancock): 607-467-3215
Narrowsburg: 845-252-3212
Deerpark (north of Port Jervis): 845-856-5911

Pennsylvania State Police
Honesdale: 570-253-7126
Blooming Grove (near Hawley): 570-226-5718

 

Get Ready for Being on the River!

  • Couple sits on rocks on the edge of a river. Yellow-green trees form a forest across the river.
    Plan Your River Trip

    Get information on what you need to know and bring on a river trip at the Upper Delaware.

  • Park Ranger tugs on life jacket worn by intern at shoulders. Both smile at camera.
    Safety

    Learn essential safety tips and information for recreating on and around the Upper Delaware River.

Last updated: April 19, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

274 River Road
Beach Lake, PA 18405

Phone:

570 685-4871

Contact Us