Crews respond to kayakers in distress along the Delaware River

Emergency crews responded to kayakers who were in need of help along the Delaware River on Tuesday.

According to the New Hope Eagle Volunteer Fire Company, on Tuesday, March 10, at 3:33 p.m., crews were alerted about a report of at least two kayakers in distress in the area of the Delaware River wing dam.

Officials said that while crews responded, additional calls came in that one person had reached shore, but the second person had drifted downstream and was out of sight in the fast-moving water.

Based on that information, officials said some crews headed for the ramp at Fireman’s Eddy off of Route 29 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, while another set of crews went to the park near Bowman’s Tower on River Road.

Officials said one person was found with both kayaks on the New Jersey shoreline, and he did not require any help.

The other person was found by crews near a boat ramp, after officials said he had swam to shore.

“With this quick burst of spring-like weather, never underestimate the power of moving water,” officials wrote. “With the recent rain and snowmelt, the river is running high and fast. And the water is still cold! Being in the water draws heat from your body about twenty-five times faster than air of the same temperature. Hypothermia only adds to the dangers this time of year.”