Tuesday at Croton Point, north side

[pocket change]

I'm in the water swimming and a guy wades up to me and asks if I would take him back to his boat, please. He was anchored off Potato Rock in the river and he jumped in for a swim. The tidal current was so strong he couldn't get back to his boat. He made it to shore almost at Tellers Point, then walked back to the beach where I was. He didn't seem impaired or drunk to me. So I took him back. Him and the boat were from Long Island. He said he didn't notice the tidal currents going by his boat. If he missed Tellers Point he might have drowned. Don't they have tidal currents on Long Island so he would know what they were? Glad no one is looking for a body.

 

[JohnH]

I was anchored up in Croton on Tuesday from about noon until about 1:30 pm. What a gorgeous day to be on the water. More boats there than I expected for a Tuesday.
The guy was lucky! The current must be a lot stronger that far out. I can remember being anchored up deep inside Croton one day in about 8' of water and going for a swim. The tide must have been running out and before I knew it I was well away from the boat. I had to swim my a$$ off to get back to the swim platform and I was exhausted when I finally got there.

 

[millsan1]

Every time I swim off the back of the boat, I throw out a line with a fender or life jacket attached. I am paranoid about being swept away, after a scary scuba incident in Bonaire

 

[psalzer]

Even in Lake Lanier here in Ga. we always stream a line with a float attached while swimming. If you are near the dam when they begin generating a strong current can appear very quickly.

 

[Caryl-d]

We were there as well John. Spent the day and watched the sun go down. Was a beautiful day to be out on the water. The dogs enjoyed it as well.

I sure would say this guy was lucky. From the sounds of things he made several big mistakes. Not checking the current 1st, not throwing a line and floatation device in the water, especially since he was alone on the boat. He is very lucky he was able to get ashore. This story could have very easily have had a tragic accident.