WESTFALL, PA – Three canoeists were rescued just after 9 a.m. today, March 10 after the canoe they were in capsized in the cold, choppy Delaware River near #2 Bridge in Sparrowbush, NY.
Battalion 8 responders were on scene, along with ambulance, police, and National Park Service staff as rescue boats retrieved the victims as they made it to a Pennsylvania shore.
Westfall Fire Department Chief William Koferl said all three canoeists had life jackets on and were able to make their way to the cliff-lined Pennsylvania side of the river.
The three overturned their canoe in the #2 area rapids and were pulled downriver from the bridge. Once on shore, they immediately started a small fire in an attempt to warm themselves.
“The water temperature is still in the 30s and, even though the level has come down a couple of feet, it’s still high,” Koferl said. “I wouldn’t advise anyone to be on the river right now. It’s very high, very fast, and very cold – and there are all kinds of debris and ice chunks floating down the river.”
Other emergency units on shore advised the same, as did National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Chief of Interpretation Ingrid Peterec.
“The Upper Delaware River never closes, but people need to be sure to follow appropriate precautions at all times if they choose to use it. This includes cold weather mandatory wearing of life jackets, letting people know where you are going on and coming off the river, and wearing layers of natural fiber clothing. Right now, the water is extremely cold and fast, with lots of debris and ice chunks that can cause additional issues.”
Peterec noted that when anyone ends up in extremely cold water, it is also a natural reflex to gasp – and thus take in water. While the three individuals rescued Tuesday were wearing life jackets and made it to shore without injury, rescue personnel cautioned against being on the water in these conditions.
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