PIKE COUNTY, Pa. — The Delaware River looks inviting on a sunny day. As summer heats up, officials with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area know more visitors will be flocking to the park.
"We want people to come out here, have a great time. That is what we are here for, to be able to provide those recreational activities for all of the visitors who come to enjoy the fantastic Delaware River," said Kathleen Sandt, public affairs specialist with the National Park Service
For years, the park service has offered life jackets to visitors at places like Smithfield Beach. Sandt says that people often go out on the water without one.
Since 1971, 104 people have drowned in the Delaware River.
"Of those 104 individuals not, a single one was wearing a properly fitted and fastened life jacket at the time of their death," said Sandt.
The National Parks Service is really driving home the message of safety. New signs are posted at popular swimming locations to remind people of what could happen if they go out on the water without a life jacket.
"Drowning is a once-in-a-lifetime event. That is it; you don't get a second chance. We want to remind people that is something they should want and need to take seriously when you are thinking about getting into the river," said Sandt.
Sandt says, on average, it takes search and rescue crews three days to recover the body of a drowning victim.
Wearing a properly fitted life jacket can make all the difference in preventing another tragedy. But Sandt adds that not all floatation devices are created equal.
"The label will always tell you whether or not it can be used for that purpose. For example this really fun inner tube I found on sale, this one tells you right here, this is not a lifesaving device," explained Sandt.
Park officials still encourage people to enjoy their time at the park and just do so safely.