Montgomery County Police are joining local, state and federal agencies in warning visitors about the dangers of the Potomac River at Great Falls following multiple drowning incidents this summer.
“Every year, people underestimate the power of the Potomac River at Great Falls,” MCPD said Wednesday. “This summer alone, we’ve responded to multiple drowning incidents.”
MCPD, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, Maryland Natural Resources Police and U.S. Park Police are working together to remind visitors that conditions in the Potomac can become dangerous within seconds.
Officials are urging visitors to remain on designated trails, obey posted warning signs and never enter the river to swim. “No photo, shortcut, or swim is worth risking your life,” MCPD said.
The renewed warning follows several fatal incidents on the Potomac River this summer. Three people died in separate incidents prior to the beginning of August, including a man whose body was recovered near Spotzbergen Rock following a three-day search involving rescue boats, sonar equipment and search dogs.
Earlier in July, crews recovered the body of a 16-year-old boy who disappeared while swimming near Great Falls. In June, rescuers recovered the body of 20-year-old Germantown resident and Towson University student Nazir Bell following a three-day search.
As previously reported, MCFRS has also been conducting weekly preventative patrols at Great Falls throughout the summer. Members of the department’s Swift Water Rescue Team spend Saturdays on and around the Potomac River monitoring for unsafe behavior near the shoreline and attempting to prevent visitors from entering the water.
The Potomac River around Great Falls is known for powerful currents, submerged hazards and rapidly changing conditions that can overwhelm even experienced swimmers. Officials continue to urge visitors to enjoy the park from designated areas while staying out of the river.
