In response to recent tragic drownings, including that of a 34-year-old Bensalem resident who was on a trip in New York, officials are intensifying safety efforts along the Delaware River, in parts of New York and New Jersey, writes Preston Ehrler for Delaware Currents.  

To combat these tragedies, the Park Service is implementing several safety initiatives. New bilingual safety warnings are prominently featured on signs at river access points and beaches, and life jackets are available for loan at various beach areas.  

Rangers and volunteers also patrol the river in boats and kayaks, educating visitors about water safety and the importance of wearing life jackets. 

Cory Homer, captain of the dive team at Westfall Volunteer Fire Department in New York, who has never pulled a body from the river that was wearing a life jacket, emphasized, “The No. 1 thing people can do to save their lives and their children’s lives, is wear that [life jacket] while they’re in or around the river.” 

These enhanced safety measures aim to prevent future tragedies and ensure that visitors enjoy the Delaware River safely. 

Read more about the safety initiatives along the Delaware River in Delaware Currents.

River Safety at Upper Delaware River