Teen's drowning at Devil's Hole leaves Cedar Grove officials pondering safety measures
A 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead at a local hospital after police pulled his body from the Peckman River in Cedar Grove over the weekend. He went with a group of individuals to the popular restricted swimming spot known as Devil's Hole, which claimed another teen's life in 2014.
Police found the body after a routine inspection of the area, and attempts were made to revive him but ultimately failed. The victim was identified only as coming from Newark.
In a press release from township police, they said the group went into the water shortly after the 5:15 p.m. patrol, but one person did not resurface. First responders from Cedar Grove and surrounding towns answered a call at 6 p.m. and found the victim.
Cedar Grove Township Manager Joseph Zichelli said there are warning signs at the entrance to the area in addition to one posted right above where the group went into the water. Devil's Hole is infamous for being a dangerous gathering place teenagers frequent despite "no trespassing" signs.
Zichelli said warning signs and even an orange construction fence were once removed by people who showed up, and that many leave behind wrappers, beer bottles and other items. Officers routinely remove violators from the area, he said, adding that the violators endanger themselves and also rescuers.
Officials passed an ordinance in 2018 banning swimming, wading and bathing in recreation waters like Devil's Hole, but that has not kept residents and others from testing the waters. Since then, officers have monitored the area and issued summonses to anyone violating the ban.
"The township will continue to post signage with words and depictions showing the dangers of swimming in the area, and any trespasser caught will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Zichelli said.
In response to the incident, more patrols will be implemented. Zichelli said the township met with engineers Monday morning at the site to discuss permanent solutions. They will also work with state officials and the Department of Environmental Protection to remove hazards without disturbing the river's natural flow.
One measure that has been considered is fencing around the area, but Zichelli said that would not deter people, as many would cut or scale it. Efforts are being focused on the water itself and discouraging using the waterway.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Cedar Grove drowning at Devil's Hole leads to more patrols
