READING, Pa. – As the temperatures rise and people look for a way to refresh, authorities warn of the dangers behind strong currents, especially in local bodies of water.
With the extreme heat, many people will be looking for a way to cool off. But first responders are reminding everyone to think twice before jumping into local rivers.
“The currents — the water might look pretty tranquil on the on the surface, but the currents underneath will drag you under, and you might not be strong enough to swim against it, even if you think you’re a strong swimmer,” said Robert Frey, acting second deputy chief of the Reading Fire Department.
Strong currents, hidden debris and steep drop-offs can quickly turn a fun day into an emergency — something firefighters have seen repeatedly at spots along rivers like Penske Beach.
“For the most part, this is our biggest problem area,” Frey said.
With sudden deep ends and quick-moving currents, it’s an area that can be very dangerous.
“Up here is where we get a lot of people in trouble,” Frey said. “There’s some pretty deep holes in there, and either last year or the year prior, we had someone drown here, unfortunately.”
The Reading Fire Department trains for water rescues.
On Tuesday, firefighters showed 69 News the specialized rafts and rescue equipment they use when they go to try and save a life.
“These here are throw bags that we can throw out to a victim in the river for them to hold on to so we can pull them in,” Frey said.
“This is our banana boat,” he said, showing another piece of equipment. “This is where we can put patients on here, and we will straddle them…we will put the patient in the middle between the two rescuers.”
Rescuers also have a simple message: Never mix alcohol and swimming. Drinking can slow reaction time and makes it much harder to recognize when you’re in danger.
“If you are drinking or doing drugs, we advise you not to go in the river because it impairs your judgment, and you might not be able to get yourself out,” Frey said.
If you’re looking to cool off, firefighters recommend choosing designated swimming areas with lifeguards like Blue Marsh Lake, and public swimming pools like Schlegel Park Pool, as well as the several splash pads around the city.