A 13-year-old from Brooklyn was hospitalized after losing consciousness at the Peekamoose Blue Hole in Denning, following extended exposure to cold water. The incident occurred on July 1 around 1:50pm, when state forest rangers responded to an emergency call at the popular swimming spot.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the victim had been submerged up to the neck in the cold water for approximately 10 minutes. Upon exiting the water, the teen reported feeling unwell and subsequently passed out. After regaining consciousness, the teen was found to be shivering uncontrollably and exhibiting a lowered pulse rate, indicating the effects of cold water immersion.
Forest rangers took immediate action to stabilize the teen. Using a camp pad for insulation, they wrapped the child in two sleeping bags and shielded them with a tarp as a thunderstorm passed through the area. Once the weather cleared, rangers assisted in walking the teen to the road, where a Grahamsville ambulance transported the child to a local hospital for treatment.
Swimming holes are typically 15°F to 30°F colder than swimming pools, depending on the region and time of year.
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