Rocks State Park Swimming Spot Closed After Drownings

JARRETTSVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- A popular swim spot in Rocks State Park is shut down for now, after the second drowning there in less than a year. 

Gigi Barnett explains the closure comes during the park's busiest season.

Grabbing a tube and heading to one section of Deer Creek Rapids in Rocks State Park has already proven deadly for two swimmers in the last 11 months.  Now park rangers say it's off-limits to swimmers.

"This section right here where the signs start are closed to tubing and swimming," said Rocks Park manager Nicole Merrick.

The closure comes one week after a 19-year-old soldier stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground drowned while swimming with friends during the Memorial Day weekend.  It also happened last year when 31-year-old Phillip Anders' foot became stuck in the rocks.  He went under and never resurfaced.

"We've not only just had drownings in this area, we've had serious body injuries due to the rapids and the rocks and the way the water throws you around," said Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Simpson.

The water in this section is only four feet deep and looks calm but rescue workers say it often takes swimmers by surprise.

"The water above is nice and calm and all of a sudden they hit this rapid area and they try to get out and that's usually the problem: they're trying to get out," Simpson said.

No swimming signs are posted now and rangers are spreading the warning, too.  Park rangers have not said when, or if, that section of Deer Creek Rapids will reopen.

The popular swimming areas above and below the rapids are still open to swimmers.