WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Warning to Visitors of the Huntington Gorge

Warning to Visitors of the Huntington Gorge

Richmond, Vermont - July 25, 2006

Thousands of people head to the Huntington River Gorge every summer. But many lives have been lost in one popular spot. Just last week a St. George woman had a very close call. Jessica Abo tells us what the owner is doing to warn visitors about the falls.

The Huntington River Gorge in Richmond is known for its beauty.

"It's spectacular and it's awesome that it's still open," Lori Barbour, a frequent visitor the gorge, said.

Barbour brought her daughter, niece and nephew to enjoy the view.

"Very few places like it in the world," she added.

The upper part of the gorge where people get themselves into trouble. Some parts appear docile. But looks can be deceiving.

They don't realize the undercurrent is there so what happens is, they may be wading in three feet of water and they lose their footing. They slip on debris and the water that's moving is moving swiftly," Richmond Police Chief William "Joe" Miller said.

Swimmers are swept away with the current and have nothing to hold on to. More than 20 people have died here since 1950. Including a Vermont State Police diver -- who died -- trying to retrieve a victim's body.

"This can be a dangerous place but thousands of people are here every summer and nothing bad happens to them," Gary Bressor, the current owner of the gorge, said.

Bressor bought the gorge for 20 thousand dollars back in October 2005. He's trying to make the property safer.

"You think you're pretty safe and then you're over before you know it," Bressor added.

For the last three decades, residents in the town of Richmond have been debating what to do with the gorge. Some have lobbied for a fence while others think the swimming hole should be blown up or filled. Bressor would like to keep it open to the public. And so would one man who lost his brother here more than 40 years ago.

"I think it should stay the way it is. People have to take responsibility for their actions," Edson Hackett said.

Hackett lost his brother William on June 29th 1961. His 16-year-old brother was fishing with friends when one of the boys slipped.

"My brother who was a licensed lifesaver jumped in after him. The individual that fell made it -- he drifted through -- and my brother got stuck."

Hackett and his family never blamed the gorge for their loss. But the Richmond Police Chief says it can be a dangerous place and swimmers should do their homework. Most of the people killed here have been in their 20s and 30s -- and include Vermonters and tourists alike. Many were drinking or using drugs.

"Be familiar with your environment and know what's safe and what your dangers are. Alcohol does not have a place here or drugs," Chief Miller said.

Bressor put up six warning signs at the beginning of the swimming season to educate visitors of the risks here.

"Somebody took one of them already. They've only been here since early June. So it's discouraging."

He hopes it's not a sign people are taking their safety lightly. He plans on posting more warnings as soon as he gets permission from the zoning board. But even then, you won't find Barbour swimming in the dangerous parts.

"It's hard to believe people will risk it."

Jessica Abo -- Channel 3 News