National Recreation Area Delaware Water Gap Pennsylvania/New Jersey National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Canoeing and on the Delaware River

General Information Safe Boating Is No Accident The Delaware River Is one of the most scenic The maps may be obtained at the park In license is required to fish on the Delaware and least polluted rivers in the East. Thirty- formation station or by writing the DRBC or River. five miles of the river, from south of Port Jervis, Eastern National Park and Monument Associa Cars left at access areas should be locked N.Y. through the spectacular Delaware Water tion, Delaware Water Gap NRA, Bushklll, PA with any valuables in the trunk or out of sight Gap, are included within the Delaware Water 18324. to minimize theft. Gap National Recreation Area. This section of and used on the Delaware River DRINKING WATER is available at Milford the river provides excellent canoeing and are subject to all U.S. Coast Guard rules, Beach, Eshback Access, Depew Access, boating opportunities for thousands of people regulations and safety inspections. Smithfield Beach and the Kittatinny each year. Public telephones are located at Milford Access, River or stream water should be This folder supplements the more detailed Beach, Dingman's Access, Smithfield Beach boiled at least three minutes before drinking. Delaware River Recreation Maps published by and Kittatinny Access. the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). A valid Pennsylvania or New Jersey

Be River Wise For Your Safety If You Capsize

1. When planning the time It will take for your 1. Plan to be off the river before dark. 1. Your will float — stay with It. trip, take Into consideration the river cur 2. Do not overload your canoe. Keep weight 2. KEEP ON THE UPSTREAM SIDE OF THE rents, wind conditions, your canoeing evenly distributed. Secure equipment to CANOE to avoid being pinned against a ability and whether you plan to swim or —prevent shifting loads or loss in-case of rock or obstacle. picnic along the way. tipping. Never stand or change positions 3. Float on your back, feet together and out of 2. Check the weather forecast before starting while afloat. the water with toes pointed downstream to your trip. High water or cold water are very 3. In motorboat areas, canoe near the shore fend off rocks. dangerous. Take appropriate precautions and head into wakes to avoid upsetting. 4. Save people first. Rescue boats and equip and do not overestimate your abilities. 4. Watch for rocks or logs. A white ripple ment only if it can be done safely. 3. Never alone. For three or more canoes, means a rock Is upriver of the ripple. Aim for assign a lead canoe and a sweep canoe. the "V" of smooth water between rocks. Keep all others between and maintain com 5. In rough water kneel for stability. Keep the munications. bow headed downstream; if the canoe Is SKILL IS THE 4. On overnight trips, secure boats & canoes sideways It will tip when it strikes a wave BASIC INGREDIENT OF well up from the water to guard against or rock. rising waters. 6. Guard against sunburn. WATER SAFETY! 7. Wear protective foot gear to protect against broken glass and sharp rocks.

Motorboat Operations Drowning is for REAL — Avoid Tragedy Operators of motorboats should exercise extreme caution and courtesy. The configura Always Wear a Life Jacket and Follow tion of the riverbed (shallow with a few rela All Safety Tips tively deep pools) generally limits power boat ing to three areas: Milford Beach, Smithfield IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!! Beach, and Kittatinny Point. River fluctuations are frequent and great. The safe boater Is LIFE PRESERVER aware of water levels and Is alert to under (Jacket Type) water hazards, even in pool areas. Swimming 1. Inspect all your boating equipment and be sure it complies with or exceeds Federal 1. Swim only in authorized areas. Never swim and State regulations. 2. Have a U.S. Coast Guard personal flotation alone. 2. Sandy beaches are available at Milford device in serviceable condition for each Beach and Smithfield Beach. Lifeguards are passenger and worn when boating. on duty July through Labor Day. 3. Boaters must have a competent observer in the boat while towing a skier. Avoid 3. Do not swim in motor boats zones. Swim ming across the river is especially hazar operation close to any person, boat, or object. dous. BUOYANT VEST 4. Beware of swift currents and dropoffs. 4. Observe restrictions at swimming areas If you are , check for submerged marked by buoys. logs, rocks and shallows. 5. Remember: You are responsible for your 5. Try swimming with your life jacket on SPECIAL PURPOSE boat's wake. — It's fun! BUOYANT DEVICE

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