Rescuers prevent child's drowning at Milford Beach

MILFORD — Quick action by a Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) counselor and National Park Service lifeguards saved a five-year old girl from drowning at Milford Beach on Wednesday morning, July 9. The National Park Service reported that the unidentified girl was at Milford Beach as part of a day camp group from PEEC. The group included 34 children and 10 staff (counselors and instructors, two of whom are certified lifeguards). The girl along with several counselors and other children, was swimming in about five feet of water approximately 10 to 15 feet from the beach. She began to struggle. Within seconds, a counselor, who was within arm’s reach, noticed the child’s difficulties and was able to grab her and take her to the beach. Alerted to the incident, the two on-duty lifeguards met the counselor and the girl at the water’s edge. The girl was unconscious and was not breathing. Lifeguards administered back blows and opened the girl’s airway. Her breathing was restored and she regained consciousness. Administration of cardiopulmonary respiration (CPR) was not necessary. The child was transported to Bon Secours Community Hospital by the Milford Ambulance Corps. She was later transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit in a Morristown hospital, where she was treated and has been released. National Park rangers also responded and are investigating the incident. Milford Beach is one of two designated swim beaches in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Smithfield Beach is located on River Road, north of the village of Shawnee on Delaware. During the summer months, lifeguard services are provided at both locations from 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. on weekends. PEEC is a non-profit organization located within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Jim Rienhardt, executive director and CEO commented, “We are very proud of the immediate response and appropriate actions taken by our staff and the NPS staff. Their actions truly did prevent a tragic accident. PEEC and the National Park Service work very hard to insure the health and safety of all guests and visitors.” For your safety, swim only within the roped-off areas at these beaches when lifeguards are present. Swimming elsewhere is not recommended , as strong currents, sharp drop-offs, and constantly changing river conditions make many areas unsafe for swimming. Don’t swim alone and never try to swim across the river. The National Park Service strongly recommends the use of PFD’s (personal floatation devices) when boating and on all river trips.