Yet the river water is considered safe only for “secondary contact,” not for swimming. As the river’s condition improved, people began to notice and have been returning to the river. Today, one can see people not only picnicking along its shores, but also boating, kayaking, tubing, even water- and jet-skiing.
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Is it safe to swim in the Delaware River?
Swimming in areas of the river outside the life guarded beaches is permitted, but not recommended. Strong currents, sharp drop-offs, and constantly changing river conditions make many areas unsafe for swimming. Wearing a properly fitting life jacket is strongly recommended when swimming. Never swim alone.
Has anyone died in the Delaware River?
There have been 74 drownings on the Upper Delaware River since 1980, according to National Park Service data. Most of the victims have been young men between the ages of 18 and 30, Peterec said. And not one of them was properly wearing a life jacket, she said.
Is it safe to kayak in the Delaware River?
The Delaware River’s flat water stretches are perfect for beginners. Class I & II rapids are appropriate for more experienced paddlers. Class II stretches of this river are often considered “technical,” which refers to the degree of boat-handling skill required to navigate rocks and boulders in swiftly moving current.
Has there ever been sharks in the Delaware River?
And, the bull sharks known to swim in the Delaware River, as they do far upriver from oceans worldwide, have never been reported in an attack on any humans, although in late April and early May 1922 newspapers throughout the U.S. reported on a 12-foot shark “said to have been on the man-eating variety” that was shot
Why is the Delaware River so dirty?
Still, the Delaware is a lot cleaner than it was in the mid-20th century, when decades of industrial pollution and sewage discharge left it so starved of oxygen that fish were unable to migrate farther upstream than central Philadelphia.
Is it safe to tube down the Delaware River?
By law, all children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while on the river in any vessel, including inner tubes. Every person in a boat or using an inner tube must have a life jacket within reach, not tied to the vessel.More drownings on the Delaware River have been swimming-related than boating-related.
Are there alligators in the Delaware River?
Crocodiles and alligators, of course, are not native to the Delaware River, preferring much warmer climates. Some locals are theorizing that a local pet is on the loose.
How deep is the Delaware River?
12 m
How many people drown in the Delaware River a year?
There are 3,960 fatal unintentional drownings annually, including boating-related drownings. That’s an average of 11 drowning deaths a day. There are 8,080 nonfatal drownings — that’s an average of 22 nonfatal drownings a day. Nearly 80% of those who die from drowning are male.
Can you drink alcohol on the Delaware River?
You are allowed to drink alcohol on the Delaware River if you are not underage and not operating a watercraft. How long does it take to tube 5 miles? It usually takes between 3-4 hours to tube 5 miles down the Delaware River.
How high is the Delaware River right now?
2 mph
River current 2 mph. Good water level for recreational boating.
| Optimal Stage | Current Stage |
|---|---|
| Riegelsville: 4-6 feet | 5.80 feet |
| Trenton: 7-10 feet | 10.08 feet |
Does the Delaware River have strong currents?
The river is tidal from the Delaware Bay up through Trenton, so currents can be swift and strong.
Are there great white sharks in Delaware?
During the summer, more than a dozen species, including white sharks – more commonly called great white sharks – can be found in Delaware’s coastal waters and farther out in the Atlantic Ocean.
What is the biggest fish in the Delaware River?
Saltwater Fishing Records
| Fish Species | Record Holder | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Catfish (any species) | Colt Williamson Harrington, DE | 47 lb. 12 oz. |
| Chain Pickerel | Earl Messick Blades, DE | 7 lb. 3 oz. |
| Crappie | Marvin Billips St. Georges, DE | 4 lb. 9 oz. |
| Largemouth Bass | Andre Klein New Castle, DE | 11 lb. 1.6 oz |
What state owns the Delaware River?
The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States. It drains an area of 13,539 square miles (35,070 km2) in four U.S. states: Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
| Delaware River | |
|---|---|
| Type | Scenic, Recreational |
What is the cleanest river in the United States?
Top 9 Cleanest Rivers in the US [Report 2021]
- Smith River.
- San Marcos River.
- Truckee River.
- Snoqualmie River.
- Guadalupe River.
- Shenandoah River.
- Yampa River.
- Cahaba River.
Is swimming in a lake safe?
There are few things more refreshing than taking a relaxing dip into a freshwater stream, river or lake.Concerns about currents, pollution and wildlife often deter people from swimming in natural bodies of water, like streams and lakes. Thankfully, it’s perfectly safe to swim in most bodies of fresh water.
Is the Delaware River polluted?
Though pollution in the Delaware River is nowhere near as bad as it once was, a new report showing dips in on oxygen levels in the water the past two years is concerning say environmentalists.Dissolved oxygen levels should be at 5 milligrams per liter or above to protect aquatic life, the report says.
How much is it to tube down the Delaware River?
Peak General Admission: 19 or less participants
| Tubing – Peak Mon-Fri: $36.45 + Tax Sat-Sun/Holidays: $46.73 + Tax | Rafting – Peak Mon-Fri: $39.25 + Tax Sat-Sun/Holidays: $56.07 + Tax |
|---|---|
| Canoeing – Peak Mon-Fri: $39.25 + Tax Sat-Sun/Holidays: $49.53 + Tax | Kayaking – Peak Mon-Fri: $49.53 + Tax Sat-Sun/Holidays: $59.81 + Tax |
Are boats allowed in the Delaware River?
The Lower Delaware is a popular destination for motorboats of all types. Personal water craft (jet-ski) use is allowed, and its use is extensive. Paddlers need to be aware of other boaters and use caution when running a section of the river that is heavily used by power boaters.
