Part of Deer Creek Closed After Drowning

Part of Deer Creek in Rocks State Park has been closed to swimming and tubing, effective immediately, following .

“The closed area containing dangerous rapids extends approximately 100 yards along a stretch of Deer Creek located north of Rocks Chrome Hill Road within Rocks State Park in Harford County,” the Maryland Department of Natural Resources said in a statement.

, 19, died May 26 while swimming in Deer Creek with friends. On June 26, 2010, another swimmer drowned in the same area.

“We realize that these rapids have been a popular destination for many swimmers and tubers, and therefore, we did not make this determination without due consideration and consultation," Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina said in the statement. "We were compelled to take this action in order to protect our visitors from an unforeseen hazard."

Rocks State Park rangers posted warning signs along Deer Creek on Friday that alert swimmers to dangerous areas as well as “a mandatory take-out approximately 100 feet above the rapids.”

Visitors are welcome to reenter the creek below the rapids, out of the banned area.

"The Harford County Swift Water Tactical Rescue Team (TRT) has determined that there is a foot entrapment hazard at the Rocks State Park rapids,” said Bill Reeder, leader of the Swift Water TRT, in the statement. “We stand behind the Maryland Park Service on any restrictions that will provide public safety in this area.”