This is a story that breaks my heart and really scares me at the same time. The Delaware River is beautiful as it winds through Pike, Orange and Sullivan Counties. Thousands of people take canoe, kayak and rafting trips along the river each summer. The busses carrying tourists and trailers with canoes drive right past my house every Saturday and Sunday. Local kids jump off rocks into the river to cool down on hot days. Many young people who live near the river also have their own canoes, kayaks and rafts. Ready to take out for a day of fun. That includes my own sons. The Delaware looks calm in many places. Very swimmable and not dangerous. The reality is there are strong currents and deep ruts in the river. An alarming number of people drown each year. This weekend I watched the Matamoras Fire Department rescue boat race right past my house. Every time I see it my heart breaks because I know someone is in trouble or has already drowned. Since Saturday, 4 young men have drowned in the upper Delaware River. They were all strong swimmers. Here are the tragic details: On Saturday, 31 year old Louis Pellot of Brooklyn drowned in the river. His body was recovered by the Matamoras Fire Department. Also on Saturday, 24 year old Micheal Cammett of North Arlington lost his life in the river near Lumberland in Sullivan County. His body was recovered by New York State Police divers. On Sunday, a 32 year old Port Jervis man drowned near Goose Rock. His body was found 60 feet from the shore late Monday morning. Then on Tuesday another man drowned in the Delaware in Sullivan County. He was only 28. On their Facebook Page the Westfall Township Volunteer Fire Department urged anyone who plans to enjoy the river this summer to "respect" it. By always wearing a life jacket. I just can't say it enough myself. Downing is a terrible way to die. Please wear a life jacket in the Delaware River at all times.
Source: Record on line
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