Jersey man drowns in the Delaware

BUSHKILL — The National Park Service reports that Daniel Yolinsky, 19, of Hackettstown, N.J., drowned in the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area late Friday afternoon, Oct. 5. Yolinsky was part of a four-person group, which included another adult male and two 17-year old boys, on an afternoon trip from Hackettstown to the Delaware River. They were wading in the water, near Tocks Island on the New Jersey side of the river. Yolinsky and one of the other teens then decided to swim across the river. Yolinsky began to have difficulty swimming when he reached deeper water, about half way across the river. At that point, the river is an estimated 200 yards wide. Yolinsky’s swimming companion, the second adult, and a nearby fisherman (unconnected with the group) tried to assist him, but without success, as he floated beyond their reach. At 4:28 p.m., Monroe County received a 911 call about two people drowning. Park rangers, New Jersey State Park Police, and New Jersey State Police immediately responded. At 5:18 p.m., park divers located, and subsequently recovered, Yolinsky’s body. He was found in approximately 12 feet of water, about 100 yards downstream from where he had entered the river. He was pronounced dead by the Warren County Medical Examiner. The 17-year old was rescued; he was taken to Pocono Medical Center, where he was treated and released. All river users are reminded that the river has strong currents, sharp-drop-offs, and constantly changing conditions. Do not swim alone, and never try to swim or wade across the river. Use of a properly-fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) can save a life. During the summer, the recreation area offers life-guarded swimming areas at Smithfield Beach and Milford Beach.