Thanks to those.......

[Chris Santee]

After reading this Press Release, I would like to take the time to thank those in Fairfax
on the Fire Department and Rescue Squad for protecting us..........

On Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 15:09 hours emergency crews were summoned to the ‘Bolton Pot Holes’ in Bolton, Vermont for a water rescue.  Initial information indicated that a male subject was clinging to a rock face in the water at this popular local swimming hole. 

The male was later identified by State Police and rescue personnel as 21 year old Scott Posner of South Burlington, Vermont.  According to emergency responders, Posner had jumped into the water when he suddenly realized that   he couldn’t swim due to turbulence in the water.   Posner’s girlfriend, Alexandra Smith,  who was present at the time, immediately called 911.  The 911 call was answered by the Shelburne 911 Center. 

Emergency responders from the Bolton & Richmond Fire Departments arrived at the scene within eight minutes of the initial 911 call.  Initial responding personnel were faced with rapidly deteriorating weather conditions as torrential rain moved into the area during the rescue operation.   Emergency crews located  Posner, chest deep in water, clinging to a nearby rock ledge.  The water at this location is approximately 14-15 feet deep, according to emergency personnel on-scene.  Fire crews from Bolton & Richmond were able to secure Posner with life jackets.  Fire personnel were able to  extract Posner, using ladders, despite hazardous conditions due to weather and terrain.     

Posner was evaluated by Richmond EMS personnel as a precaution.  Posner was uninjured and refused medical treatment and transport.   

The Vermont State Police remind swimmers to use caution due to the unpredictable & rapidly changing conditions at area swimming holes, particularly following large storms.  Swimmers are also reminded to monitor and heed weather warnings before an outing.  Severe  storms had passed through this area during the previous 24 hours.   Swimmers not only endanger themselves but also emergency responders when failing to heed these warnings.