By Janet Cruz

Fireworks were not the only sight in the Havasu skies this past Fourth of July. Parachutists from Skydive Havasu also wowed the crowds with their red, white and blue patriotic canopies.

Skydive Havasu and freefall instructors from 4th Skydive in Yuma, teamed up and scheduled their jump before the annual fireworks show in Lake Havasu City Monday night.

“This has been the most amazing Fourth of July thanks to our friends and family who got here to support us,” said Skydive Havasu owner Rachel Maxwell. “It’s really about just getting together and enjoying the holiday,” she added.

Chris Swett skydives with a P.O.W. Flag over Lake Havasu City on the Fourth of July. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The scheduled jump was approximately 5,000 feet above the Bridgewater Channel. Once in the air, spectators got to see a patriotic display of red white and blue. Each skydiver was also assigned to hold a specific flag with them to hold up proudly which included a Prisoner Of War (P.O.W) flag, an Arizona State flag and the American flag.

“Jumping over here especially with a P.O.W flag means a lot because I hold it near and dear to my heart,” said Freefall Instructor Chris Swett. “Being able to do that on the Fourth of July means everything to me. So for everyone out here being able to see that is really cool,” Swett said.

The National Anthem also played over the loud speakers from Kokomo Bar as they glided onto the ground. Cheers from the crowd could also be heard upon their landing onto the Bridgewater Links Golf Course at the London Bridge Resort.

“I got to hear people at three thousand feet screaming,” said 4th Skyteam Freefall instructor Jonathan Stains. “It’s  the best feeling in the world,” he added.

Jon Stains skydives over Lake Havasu with the Arizona State Flag on Fourth of July. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“We are so blessed and so happy, that everything worked and that we pulled everything together along with the City. It was amazing,” said Skydive Havasu owner and instructor Matt Maxwell.  “We are all so honored not only to be jumping, but because of the freedom we have in this country,” he said.

Skydive Havasu is a veteran-operated business offering locals and tourists the chance to view Lake Havasu City in a safe and exciting way by tandum skydiving since 2021.

For more information on Skydive Havasu or to schedule a jump, visit www.skydivehavasu.com

Matt Maxwell skydives over Lake Havasu on the Fourth of July carrying the American Flag. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Freefall instructors Jon Stain, Matt Maxwell, and Chris Swett pose for a photo after their jump over Lake Havasu City. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Chris Swett skydives over Lake Havasu City on the Fourth of July. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Chris Swett lands on the Bridgewater Links Golf Course in Lake Havasu City on the Fourth of July. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jon Stains lands on the Bridgewater Links Golf Course in Lake Havasu City. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Matt Maxwell lands on the Bridgewater Links Golf Course in Lake Havasu City. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Matt Maxwell lands on the Bridgewater Links Golf Course in Lake Havasu City. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Skydive Havasu Team and friends pose for a photo after their jump over Lake Havasu City Monday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene