Health Department issues swimming cautions following Bolton drowning
June 18, 2022 | By Lisa Scagliotti
The cause of death for the 21-year-old swimmer who perished at the Bolton Potholes swimming hole in May was drowning, according to the Vermont Department of Health which issued public messaging this week urging people to swim with caution this summer.
The death certificate for Cody Surprise was released this past week after the Vermont State Medical Examiner’s Office completed its review of the case.
Surprise was swimming with friends in the popular spot along the Bolton Valley Access Road on Saturday, May 21, when he dove into a pool and did not resurface.
Surprise was a junior at the University of Vermont, a graduate of the Lyndon Institute, and a sergeant in the Vermont National Guard. He was studying exercise science and spent much of his free time outdoors hiking, climbing, skiing and more.
The drowning was the first in Vermont this season and the sixth known fatality at the Bolton Potholes, all of which have occurred in the “Eagle’s Eye” pool where fast currents can aerate the water and pose difficult conditions for the strongest swimmers, according to the Vermont River Conservancy. The nonprofit has worked on signage and outreach at swimming holes including the potholes to educate the public on safety and precautions to take when recreating.
The Health Department this week underscored that messaging issuing guidance to the public regarding the dangers inherent in natural swimming holes that people seek out in summertime.
“It is important to take precautions, check the weather and be aware of the conditions,” the Health Department statement said.
Each year there is at least one accidental drowning at a swimming hole or other recreational water spot, the department said, noting the Bolton Potholes drowning and listing Huntington Gorge in Huntington and Hamilton Falls at Cobb Brook in Jamaica as two other spots where swimmers have died.
“Natural waters can be dangerous and there are important things to know before you go,” said Stephanie Busch, manager of the Department of Health’s Injury Prevention Program.
It’s especially important to be wary of river and stream locations after a heavy rainfall.
“Following a good rain – and sometimes for days after – the water moves fast and is unpredictable, and boulders or logs may have shifted. In addition, hidden rock formations below what might be a calm surface can create situations where even the strongest swimmers can, and do, get trapped,” Busch said. “Even if you have been swimming at the same spot year after year, what lies beneath may have changed.”
Recommendations for safe swimming
Some tips to keep in mind when seeking a spot to cool off:
Avoid drop-offs and hidden underwater obstacles in natural water sites.
Do not dive into water. Always enter water feet first.
Consider recent weather conditions. Heavy rainfalls can create potentially dangerous conditions in swim holes, streams, rivers and waterfalls. High water conditions and strong undercurrents can linger several days after a storm, so swimmers need to assess the water depth and flow.
Never swim alone.
Be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions. Check the weather forecast and watch for signs of change such as sudden storm clouds and high winds.
The Health Department has posted a Swim Hole Safety tip sheet on its website that’s part of its online water safety information that includes boating and swimming pool safety. More on recreational water safety is online as well.
“Know how to stay safe – and don’t risk yourself, or the person who might try to rescue you,” Busch said. “Make sure there will be another day to enjoy fun and friends.”