28-05-2025
Authorities warn of the dangers of swimming in rivers
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — As temperatures rise, so does the temptation to cool off in local rivers, but officials warn, it's not worth the risk. Rescue crews responded to a call earlier Tuesday for a man in distress on the Lackawanna River.
He was successfully removed, but fire officials say this should be a wake-up call for anyone thinking about swimming in rivers this summer.
Scranton fire officials say the Lackawanna River may look calm, but it's anything but predictable.
'Any body of water is always going to be dangerous. The water is fairly cold right now, so being in there for a little bit of time, you know, their muscles can atrophy, they could drown very easily, even though it's not up that high,' Scranton Fire Department Chief John Judge said.
It's not just risky for swimmers. River rescues also put first responders in danger.
'We don't have a lot of access points for the Lackawanna River. I mean, it's not designed in that manner. It's just so unpredictable depending on how quickly it's moving, you know, the turbulence that goes with it, there's, you know, fallen trees that are in there that could be an entanglement hazard,' Chief Judge explained.
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The Scranton Fire Department is heavily invested in water rescue training, with certified instructors teaching life-saving techniques year-round.
'We have our own instructors here that are certified by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission that go away for training. When the initial 911 call comes in, he might be, you know, blocks away by the time we get there. So our responders know that, and they know how the water is moving, so they'll start pre-positioning resources downstream,' Chief Judge continued.
Chief Judge urges people to wear a personal flotation device, avoid trespassing in restricted areas like the Nay Aug Gorge, and never swim alone.
'It's always making sure that you know people know where, somebody knows where you're at, you're not doing it alone, and you have a Coast Guard-approved PFD, a personal flotation device with you. We're in that summer season now between Labor Day or Memorial Day and Labor Day. So we'll be on our, on our guard for what's going on up there,' Chief Judge told 28/22 News.
The fire chief says the best way to stay safe is to stay out unless you're experienced, equipped, and following all safety rules.
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