River Safety

 

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.

 

Did you know? 

On average, two people drown each year in the Upper Delaware River region. To date, no one who was wearing a properly-fitted life jacket has drowned while on or in the river. 

 

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.

 

It’s the Law! 

By law, every person on the river is required to have a life jacket within reach. This includes individuals using boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, inner tubes, and any other aquatic and inflatable devices and vessels. Children 12 years old and younger are required by law to wear a life jacket while on or in the river.  

Mandatory Life Jacket Use Conditions: 

High Water: Life jackets are required to be worn by everyone on the river when the river level is six feet or higher, as measured at the Callicoon Gauge (for upstream of the Narrowsburg bridge) and the Barryville Gauge (for downstream of the Narrowsburg bridge).

Cold Water: Between November 1 through April 30, life jackets are required to be worn by everyone on the river due to the risk of cold water shock. 

 

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.

 

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.

Public Locations of Life Jacket Lending stations

• Skinners Falls River Access, Skinners Fall W Rd, Narrowsburg, NY 12764 (at River Mile 295.5)
• Ten Mile River Access, Crawford Rd, Narrowsburg, NY 12764 (near River Mile 284)
• Lackawaxen River Access, 135 Scenic Dr, Lackawaxen, PA 18435 (near River Mile 277.5)
• Mongaup River Access, NY-97, Narrowsburg, NY 12764 (near River Mile 261.5)

Life Jacket Return Stations

Life jackets can be returned to:

• The location that you borrowed the lifejacket from
• Any of the public accesses listed above
• At one of the following public life jacket return stations:
  • Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Matamoras Fishing Access, 1087 Delaware Drive, Matamoras, PA, 18336
  • West End Beach, 14 Ferry St, Port Jervis, NY 12771

 

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.

 

While on the River, Look Out For: 

• Strainers: Objects in the river. Examples: Rocks, fallen trees, debris. Be mindful objects may be submerged partially or fully underwater. 
• Sweepers: Objects hanging over the river by the shore. Examples: Tree branch, fallen trees. 
• Eel Weirs: Eel weirs are V-shaped rock formations that funnels river water to trap eels. Several are present on the river. If not careful, a boat can get stuck in an eel weir. Always paddle around them and look out for warning signs. 
• Changing Weather and River Conditions: Always be mindful of changing weather and river conditions. High water events, storms, and upstream releases can all change river conditions and result in new river obstacles or new river conditions. 

 

Check the River Level

The U.S. Geological Survey provides detailed information on Upper Delaware River water temperature, discharge, and height at the Barryville and Callicoon gauges.

At 8-12 feet, it is recommended only skilled and experienced paddlers venture out on the river. At 12 feet and above, the river is approaching flood stage levels with extreme current speeds and high waves. Boating is not recommended. Learn more about river conditions and related paddling recommendations. 

 

How to Be Safe on the River

 

What Should I Do If I...

Want to Go Swimming?

There are no designated swimming areas in the park. There are no lifeguards to assist you. Swimming is the #1 cause of drowning in the park. Swimming is not recommended at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. 

However, if you do choose to swim, wade, or float in the river: 

• Wear a Life Jacket: Wearing a life jacket and shoes will reduce the risk of drowning.
• Wear Closed-toed Shoes: Wearing closed-toe shoes will reduce the risk of getting your feet trapped underwater. Be careful of sharp and slippery rocks along the river.
• Do Not Jump or Dive off Cliffs, Rocks, or Bridges into the River: Water is often more shallow than it appears and objects under the water may not be visible. The river is constantly changing and new obstacles can appear in places that previously seemed safe. 
• Never Attempt to Swim Across the River: The river water is often colder than one expects and the current often stronger than it appears. Steep underwater drop offs create very deep areas of the river. Swimming also uses up a lot of energy. Strong swimmers have drowned in the past attempting to swim across the river. Do not take the risk. Do not attempt to swim across the river.  

Want to Go Boating?

Visitors enjoy a variety of boating activities on the Delaware River. Things to keep in mind when using boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, inflatable tubes, and other vessels on the river: 

• Do not tie your lifejacket to our boat, vessel, inner tube, etc. 
• Keep your weight low. Do not stand while in your boat. 
• Kneel when going through rapids, this reduces the likelihood of capsizing.  
• If with a partner, each of you should paddle on opposite sides of the canoe.  
• Hold the paddle, not the boat. 
• Consumption of alcohol and drugs can be extremely dangerous while boating and on the water. 

Capsize or Fall Out of Your Boat or Vessel?

• Don’t panic.  
• Stay upstream of the boat to avoid getting pinned by the boat against a rock. 
• Do not stand in rapids. Float on your back and keep your feet and stomach up. Point your feet downstream so you can push off of obstacles and avoid foot entrapment.  
• Do not swim against the current. Backstroke and let the current take you to shore. 
• Prioritize the safety of yourself and other passengers. Only retrieve boats and equipment if it can be done safely. 

 

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

Packing List for All Activities

• Drinking Water (no glass bottles)*
• Closed-toed shoes (waterproof if possible)
• Trash bags*
• Sunscreen (waterproof) 
• Rain gear
• Hat and sunglasses 
• Food (in sealed container)
• Tick repellent
• Insect repellent 
• Map, guidebook, or park brochure 
• Flashlight 
• Extra change of clothes, especially socks (wool or high performance synthetic fibers recommended) 
• Emergency contact information 
• Spare keys, secured to your person so they do not fall into the river

*Drinking water and trash bins are not available at river accesses. Please do not litter.

Boating Items

• Life jacket, 1 per person on the water
• Boat, canoe, kayak, raft, etc. Rental vessels are available from various liveries in and around the park.
• Paddles, 1 per person + 1 extra
• Bailer
• Kneeling pads (recommended)
• Waterproof bag

Fishing Items

• Pennsylvania or New York state fishing license for anyone 16 years and older
• Life jacket, 1 per person on or in the water
• Fishing rod, line, hooks, etc.
• Bait (live bait cannot be release into the river)
• Trout stamps, if fishing for trout with a Pennsylvania license.
• Optional: Boat, canoe, kayak, raft, etc. and paddles. Rental vessels are available from various liveries in and around the park. If using a boat, a bailer, kneeling pads, and waterproof bag are recommended.

Swimming, Wading, and Tubing Gear

• Life Jacket, 1 per person
• Towel
• Waterproof bag
• Inner tube (if applicable). Rental tubes are available from various liveries in and around the park.

 

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

 

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