It seems we write this editorial every year but it’s a message worth repeating: this summer, stay safe on the water.

Whether you are on a lake, the river, or in a pool being aware of water safety is of the utmost importance. And one message is abundantly clear: life jackets save lives. 

Wearing a life jacket while swimming, boating, or in an inner tube is the guaranteed way to not drown. 

Safety on the Delaware River is another aspect that people might not know about. The current can pick up quickly, and water depth can change rapidly. You could be standing in knee-deep water and suddenly it can become over one’s head.

If someone is not a strong swimmer, or doesn’t know how to swim, they should proceed with caution when going in the river. 

And if on a boat, always wear a life jacket that is worn securely. 

Too often we hear of stories about someone falling off a boat or out of a tube and they do not know how to swim, or the current is too strong to navigate. 

If you find yourself in that situation: stay calm, float on your back with your feet in front, do not overexert yourself trying to swim against the current.

Over the weekend emergency crews responded to five river rescue calls in one day (see page 1A). Luckily, there were no drownings or injuries reported. But just think of the manpower and time it takes to get boats and crews ready to go out on the river, and the fear of finding the worst.

Again, luckily, those who needed rescuing were able to make it back to their family and friends and go about their day. But sometimes, that is not the case. 

Thank you to our emergency responders and National Park Service for keeping everyone safe.