Delaware River Water Rescue’s

 Since August 5, 2018 the Solebury Township Police Department has responded to five reported river rescues. Four of which were confirmed rescues.

On August 5, 2018 at approximately 2:05PM a kayaker was reported missing in the Delaware River near Virginia Forrest Park, marine units from New Hope Eagle Fire Co. and Lambertville New Hope Rescue responded. The kayaker was located and safe.

On August 5, 2018 at approximately 6:20PM a report of a person who fell from a raft in the Delaware River near the Stockton Bridge. STPD along with New Hope Eagle Fire Co., Lambertville New Hope Rescue and Point Pleasant Fire Co arrived in the area. After searching the river and its banks a total of 4 individuals were located safely.

On August 5, 2018 at approximately 8:20PM Bucks County 911 received a call of subjects screaming for help from the Delaware River. STPD officers arrived on location and met with the 911 caller who directed police to the river bank behind Washington Crossing Park. At this time a STPD officer observed two individuals attempting to rescue two others who were clinging to a tree branch in the river. STPD utilized rescue ropes to retrieve the two individuals attempting a rescue. The two other victims were rescued by Marine units from Lambertville New Hope Rescue and New Hope Eagle Fire CO.

On August 9, 2018 at approximately 12:26AM two subjects called 911 to report being stranded on Hendricks Island on the Delaware River. STPD with New Hope Eagle Fire Co., Stockton Fire Co., New Hope Lambertville Rescue and Point Pleasant Fire Co., locating two subjects who were attempting to retrieve a canoe they had abandoned earlier when they came upon extremely swift water and unable to return to shore.

After a rainy summer the Delaware River has experienced higher than normal water levels. Even though the river is not flooding its banks the high water level and currents create an extreme danger to swimmers, tubers, and kayakers and or anyone else who may enter the water.

Solebury Township Police Department urges all river enthusiasts to pay attention to the water levels and weather conditions. People have to be aware that the river is very strong, currents could be extreme and deadly. Anyone who enters the river during high water levels creates an unsafe condition which places others at extreme risk. Always wear a life jacket.