The Sullivan Catskills is a beautiful place to have fun with loved ones, particularly on a body of water, given we have a number of lakes, as well as the Delaware River. 

While recreational opportunities are in abundance, it is important to take safety seriously.

Considering there were a number of drownings in the area last summer, it seemed things were quiet for most of this one. That was until the weekend before last when we had not one, but two incidents which resulted in people losing their lives.

Furthermore, authorities told the Democrat that the individuals who passed away in the separate drownings were not wearing life jackets.  

The National Park Service (NPS), locally, reports that out of the 75 drownings in the park since 1980, 55 percent were related to swimming and none of the victims were wearing a properly fitted and fastened lifejacket at the time of their death.  

According to the NPS, high summer temperatures draw people to go into the river to cool off, but the river can be deceiving with swift river currents just beneath the surface and sudden steep drop offs that can cause even the strongest swimmer to panic leading to tragic consequences.  

NPS staff recommend that all river users always wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times when on or near the river. It is the one piece of safety equipment that will save a life when worn properly and is in good condition.

They report that loaner life jackets are available at the Skinners Falls and Mongaup NYDEC Accesses, at the PAF&BC Lackawaxen Access, and at the Ten Mile River Access.  

We strongly urge those planning trips on the water, whether it be a local lake or a river, to pack and most importantly, wear a properly-fitted life jacket. It might make you less comfortable or seem like an inconvience but there is a reason the word “life” is in the name, as it is a necessity to keep us safe on the water. 

All of these tragedies are awful, and our hearts are with the families who’ve lost a loved one in the recent drownings.

It is especially sad when we learn that preventative actions could have been taken to protect people from harm. So we’ll say it again, wear a life jacket, if not for your sake, do it for the ones who love you.