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Those who are around the Falls on a regular basis have come to recognize the telltale signs of a rescue or recovery.
Sometimes, like Friday, it is Park Police near Prospect Point next to the American Falls and the Maid of the Mist workboat patrolling the water below.
Other times, like Tuesday, it is a Canadian boat patrolling near the the Falls and under the Rainbow Bridge.
If the State Police helicopter flies low over the river near Goat Island you know there is a reason. Sometimes it is training but more likely, it is tragedy. Ditto police drones operated over the river near the waterfall.
State Parks, and Park Police don't reveal numbers but it's thought there is about one suicide a week on both sides of the border. If the body is found, it is usually naked.
Also, reliable sources tell the Express that last week, when one of the Maid of the Mist boats was shut down for a time it was likely because it had its propulsion system jammed by the body of the victim of a recent double-fatal boating accident. Authorities have not commented.
Here’s a video showing the Canadian swiftwater rescue team training in the water below Niagara Falls.
They have the best gear and training but it is still dangerous.
