The Delaware River is beautiful and serene, attracting visitors and tourists alike, however, the Delaware can also be dangerous and officials are reminding the public to exercise caution and safety after two drownings in as many weeks. “You have to be extra careful because the surface of the river seems calm, but it is not,” City of Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden said. “There is a strong undercurrent and the water can go from shallow to over your head quickly. You always have to be aware and we urge residents to use designated beaches with a lifeguard and wear a life jacket. You can enjoy Delaware, but you have to be responsible.”
The Delaware separates Pennsylvania from New York in the Tri-State area. The mighty river saw its latest casualty last Saturday when 24-year-old Jeysson Ariel Osorio-Reyes died while swimming. Witnesses on shore reported seeing him mid-channel in the river, about 75 yards from the Pennsylvania shoreline, before disappearing under the water’s surface. Over the July 4th weekend, a second victim died after reportedly falling from a boat South of the Barryville Bridge. According to the National Park Service, of the approximate 80 drownings on the Delaware since 1980, 55 percent were related to swimming and none of the victims were wearing a properly fitted and fastened lifejacket at the time of their death. High summer temperatures draw people to go into the river to cool off, but the river can be deceiving and can cause even the strongest swimmer to panic leading to drowning.
The National Park Service highly recommends that all river users always wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times when on or near the river, even if you are a good swimmer. It is the one piece of safety equipment that will save a life when worn properly and is in good condition, officials said.
