A NYC DEP Patrol boat made a rescue on the Neversink Reservoir, Sunday afternoon.

Sources tell YWN Catskills that two individuals decided to take a swim in the Reservoir – something that is against the law. Besides their law breaking, the two men failed to wear life jackets.

A passerby noticed them struggling in the water, and called 911.

The DEP responded, while the Ulster County Dive Team and a NY State Police Chopper were dispatched. Ambulances from a local EMS squad as well as Catskills Hatzolah were sent as well.

A DEP Patrol boat was able to rescue the two swimmers.

They were taken to the shore where Paramedics examined them.

DEP Police and Ulster County Sheriff Chaplain Rabbi Joel Gold told YWN that the pair refused all medical treatment, but were given hefty summonses by the DEP Police.

This incident is being posted to remind our readers that swimming is against the law in the Neversink Reservoir.

Fishing is permitted in season with a DEP-issued permit in addition to the appropriate New York state license, and the reservoir is known, as with most Catskill fishing areas, for its trout. However boats are not allowed to leave the reservoir for environmental reasons and must be stored near it year round. Hunters with valid city and state permits may also use the lands around the reservoir where hunting is permitted during the season. Beyond those, however, no recreational use of the reservoir is permitted. While the land is not fenced off, the area is regularly patrolled by uniformed DEP police.

(YWN Sullivan County Newsroom)