WESTFALL TOWNSHIP, PA – An injured cliff jumper was rescued from the Delaware River on Sunday afternoon after plunging from a popular summer hangout spot along the Pennsylvania side of the river that borders Port Jervis on the New York side.
The injured man was assisted after a call for help brought emergency responders from both sides of the river as part of Battalion 8 Water Rescue Team.
Port Jervis Assistant Fire Chief Anthony Fuller said the rescued individual had an injured shoulder and was helped from the river into Port Jervis Fire Department’s boat. He was then transported to a waiting ambulance.
The area of cliffs that the man jumped from has been a popular destination for many generations that have leapt from various levels of the rock face. The section of river below these cliffs, which is visible from across the river at Eddy Farm, typically has deep pockets along this rocky stretch of Pennsylvania shoreline.
On Monday afternoon, in a visit back to the location, dozens of young jumpers were seen taking the same actions from different heights along the cliff, none wearing life jackets. However, the National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River website warns of the following:
“Do Not Jump or Dive off Cliffs, Rocks, or Bridges into the River: Water is often shallower than it appears and objects under the water may not be visible. The river is constantly changing and new obstacles can appear in places that previously seemed safe.
One of the easiest things you can do to keep yourself safe on or in the river is by wearing a properly fitted life jacket. It is a fact—life jackets save lives. We strongly recommend everyone wear a life jacket while on or in the water. On average, two people drown each year in the Upper Delaware River region.”
