Teenager trapped in rapids rescued Acting Horicon Fire Chief
Jim Hayes rescued a teenage boy who was trapped in the rapids on Thursday afternoon, police said. Hayes was flagged down as he drove on the Schroon River Road by a friend of the boy who reported the 14-year-old was stuck in rapids in the Tumblehead section of the river. The area is home to strong rapids, and is where fire departments train for rapids rescues. The boy became entangled in a tree and pinned against it by the water, and the force of the current had ripped of his life jacket and his swim suit, according to Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Hayes put on a life jacket, tied a rescue rope and “throw bag” to a tree and went into the river to free the teen. He brought the boy to shore. The boy, who was from East Greenbush, suffered possible broken ribs but his injuries were considered non-life threatening. He was taken to Glens Falls Hospital for treatment. He and a friend had been tubing, and both wore life jackets.
The incident happened just before 3 pm. In addition to serving as acting Horicon fire chief, Hayes is a member of the Warren County dive team.
-Glens Falls Post-Star, Friday, July 4, 2014
