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Accident Database: Accident #235

River: Otter Creek
Section: Beldens Falls to Bleeders Dam
Location: Beldon Falls Near Burlington, VT
Water Level: High
Difficulty: III
Accident Code(s): Long Swim (L.S.)
Injury Code(s): Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal
Age: 24
Experienced/Inexperienced: Inexperienced
Private/Commercial: Private
Boat Type: Raft
Number of Occupants: 2
Number in Group: 2
Number of Victims: 1
Hazard Codes: Water Temp
Detailed Description:

VERMONT PAIR FINDS TROUBLE ON OTTER CREEK

 

Otter Creek near Burlington, VT : April 30, 1994

 

 

DESCRIPTION: This small stream, not listed in any guidebooks, was flowing high due to recent rains. The victim, Eric Kemp, 24, drowned on April 30, 1994 after the 14 foot raft he was paddling with a friend capsized just below Beldon Falls . Neither was wearing a life vest. The friend managed to swim to shore, but Kemp disappeared. State Police divers were forced to call off the search due to rising water.

 

 

SOURCE: Burlington Free Press; Chip Morgan

 

 

Conclusions:

ANALYSIS: High, icy water demands good equipment and plenty of experience. This pair had neither, and paid a heavy price for their ignorance.

 

Report Status: Completed