Dangers of illegal swimming

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A pool closure and high heat are sending lots of people to a popular illegal swimming spot in Scranton to cool off.

The Scranton City Fire Chief says they’ve already had two rescues from the gorge so far this year and with the extreme heat, they’re expecting more.

He’s sending a warning to anyone thinking of swimming here in Nay Aug Park.

“It’s not designed for swimming. This is just at your own risk and taking your safety into your own hands,” said Chief Judge.

Scranton City Fire Chief John Judge says while swimming at Nay Aug Park is scenic, it’s also unsafe, and illegal.

“It’s trespassing. And the police monitor this by a camera but they can’t be here 24 hours a day,” says Chief Judge.

The jump from the cliff and what’s in the water is cause for concern.

“When we get severe rainstorms here a lot of debris washes down from the topside and the water’s pretty murky here. There’s large trees here. We’ve had people jump off in the past that have gotten back, neck, spinal injuries,” stated Chief Judge.

Chief Judge says the power of the water is worrisome.

“If they get caught in that wash behind where that water is coming over, drownings happen here far too regularly,” added Chief Judge.

A rescue mission results in the fire department having to use valuable resources.

“Setting up a rope rescue to get them up over the cliff, or floating them down and then walking them out to the train trestle and getting them out,” continued Chief Judge.

Chief Judge says if you’re planning on making a splash, stick with a pool or sprinkler.

“So we’re asking the public we’re asking people who wanna come up here and look at the beauty of this park to enjoy it, but do it safely so it’s not taking resources away from the city and we’re not having to come up here and god forbid get somebody out of here who’s been hurt,” explained Chief Judge.

The pool in Lackawanna County at McDade Park is currently closed due to a leak. The county says that work is underway and is expected to last another 10 days. The splash pad is open.

There are also lakes like Merli-Sarnoski, Aylesworth, and Covington Parks. Those are swim at your own risk if lifeguards are not present.

The County Department of Parks and Recreation is working to reassign lifeguards to those locations.

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