Officials in Easton are urging the public to be careful in the the Lehigh and Delaware rivers after a man drowned along the Delaware River over the weekend.
“It’s beautiful to look at and enjoy” City Council member Frank Pintabone said Wednesday during a news conference. “But it’s very dangerous.”
City fire Chief Henry Hennings estimated the fire company goes out to river rescues about 20 times per year, and not just in the summer months. People can get stuck in the water while doing activities such as swimming, tubing, kayaking or boating, he said.
The currents move unusually fast and they can cause issues for anyone, regardless of how good they are at swimming, the chief said.
“You can still get yourself in a lot of trouble and end up in an unfortunate situation,” he said.
While water levels are below seasonal averages, there still are dangers on the river, the fire department said in a news release. That includes hidden obstacles such as fallen trees, and metal debris that can pose a risk to those on the water. Additionally, lower water conditions can lead to faster-moving currents in narrow channels.
The fire department recommends people wear a life jacket while participating in water activities; never dive into the rivers unless the depth has been verified and deemed safe; stay away from dams, spillways, bridge structures and areas with strong currents; wear appropriate footwear on riverbanks or in shallow water; supervise children closely and keep them within arm’s reach; avoid alcohol or other impairing substances; and check river conditions before getting into the river.
Additionally, people should not try to rescue someone from the water unless they are properly trained, according to officials. They should use a “Reach, Throw, Row, Don’t Go,” method when possible, which would include extending a pole, throwing a floatation device or using a boat to help someone, the fire department said.
Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said those going out on the rivers can also put the lives of first responders in danger while they try to rescue them. The fire department has three boats, and often needs a lot of people to help with rescues, the fire chief said.
Panto encouraged residents to swim in the open city pool instead of getting in the Lehigh or Delaware rivers.
“We’re beautifully located on two rivers, but they bring their dangers with them,” he said.
The drowning over the weekend follows a few fatal water incidents in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas over the last few weeks. A 14-year-old from Upper Milford Township drowned in a pool this month in Allentown. A few weeks earlier, a 17-year-old drowned after he jumped into Jordan Creek in Allentown. Around that same time a 12-year-old boy drowned in the Lehigh River while rafting with classmates on a school trip in Carbon County.