2 More Rescued From Delaware River As Police Issue Dire Warning

Two more people were rescued from the Delaware River early Thursday morning, as conditions remain perilous for swimmers and tubers due to high water levels and swift currents, police said. Solebury Township, in a dire warning Thursday following a series of rescues, did not mince words: "currents could be extreme and deadly."

The most recent rescue — the fifth in recent days by Solebury Township Police — occurred around 12:30 a.m. when multiple agencies were called to Hendrick Island, located just north of Dilly's at Centre Bridge.

According to Solebury Township Police — which responded along with New Hope Eagle Fire Co., Stockton Fire Co., New Hope Lambertville Rescue, and Point Pleasant Fire Co. — the two people were attempting to retrieve a canoe they had abandoned earlier when they came upon extremely swift water and were unable to return to shore. They called 911, and were subsequently rescued. (Video below)

The incident comes as local police have put out multiple warnings for residents to stay off the river at this time due to the conditions caused recent excessive rains. In addition to the high water levels, the current is swift and debris in the water is posing safety issues, according to authorities and eye witnesses.

Related: 'Stay Off The River' Bucks Co. Officials Warn As Rescues Made

"People have to be aware that the river is very strong, currents could be extreme and deadly. Anyone who enters the river during high water levels creates an unsafe condition which places others at extreme risk," Solebury Township Police said in a news release issued Thursday morning.

Three calls for rescues along the river were made to Solebury Township Police on Sunday alone.

The first call came in Sunday at 2 p.m., when someone reported a kayaker missing near Virginia Forrest Park. Marine units from New Hope Eagle Fire Co. and Lambertville New Hope Rescue responded, safely locating the kayaker.

Just hours later, an overturned raft was reported near the Stockton Bridge. Rescuers from Solebury Township Police, New Hope Eagle Fire Co., Lambertville New Hope Rescue, and Point Pleasant Fire Co searched the river and its banks, locating four individuals safely.

Two hours after that, two people were trying to save two others they found clinging to a tree in the river bank behind Washington Crossing Park. Solebury Township Police utilized rescue ropes to retrieve the two individuals attempting to rescue the others. The two other victims were rescued by marine units from Lambertville New Hope Rescue and New Hope Eagle Fire Co.

"After a rainy summer the Delaware River has experienced higher than normal water levels. Even though the river is not flooding its banks the high water level and currents create an extreme danger to swimmers, tubers, and kayakers and or anyone else who may enter the water," Solebury Township Police reiterated on Thursday.

The popular Bucks County River Country was closed for the weekend due to the conditions. Restrictions remained in place Thursday, with the river still running five feet over normal levels.

"No one under 8 can go tubing but they can raft. Anyone under 18 must be tied with a parent. Canoeing and kayaking are for experienced paddlers only and not recommended for under 14. Life jackets are mandatory for everyone!," Bucks County River Country said.

Image of Delaware River this weekend, via Solebury Twp PD