​3 Drowning Deaths This Month In The Delaware River

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA —An Easton man drowned Wednesday in the Delaware River, the third drowning this month from tubing and rafting, authorities said.

The Northampton County Coroner’s Office said it recovered the body of Louis A. Cosenza, 60, of Easton, from the Delaware River in Williams Township on Wednesday.

It was determined in an investigation that Cosenza used a flotation device on the river on July 20 when he entered the water for an unknown reason and did not resurface.

He was not wearing a life preserver at the time. The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation.

Third drowning death this month

The death comes almost three weeks after a Bucks County man drowned in the Delaware River in New York State.

State Police said a preliminary investigation revealed that Chirag Patel, 37, of Bensalem, was swimming in the Delaware River during a rafting trip when he submerged and did not return to the surface.

Earlier this month, the Northampton County Coroner’s Office said that Gary M. Conley, 53, of Forks Township, died on Saturday.

The drowning happened in the Delaware River near Boileau Avenue in the City of Easton.

Authorities said Conley had been seated in a flotation tube when he entered the water for an unknown reason and did not return to the surface.

How to stay safe in the river

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has several tips on how to stay safe while enjoying a river or a stream. According to the agency, changing seasons contribute to rapid changes in rivers and streams. "In summer, rivers and streams often swell from runoff caused by snowmelt. That also could mean powerful currents that can easily sweep you off your feet," the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service notes.

"If you fall into fast-moving water, do not try to stand up. The force of the water will push you over and hold you under. Most drownings result from getting a leg or ankle caught in an underwater rock ledge, between boulders or snagged in tree limbs or other debris. Lay on your back with your feet pointing downstream and toes pointing up toward the surface. Always look downstream and be prepared to fend off rocks with your feet," the agency advises.

More safety tips can be located here.