Dangers lurking at Millers Pond

DURHAM, Conn. (WTNH) -- Even though it is not a designated swim area, people continue to swim in the waters of Miller's Pond in Durham.

The warmer weather earlier this week brought an early onslaught of sun bathers and swimmers to Millers Pond and also tragedy; the seventh drowning at the Durham swimming hole since 2000.

"When it's colder out it will bring down your core temperature down a lot more," explained Adam Massicott.

The death of 22-year-old Nicholas Wint is still under investigation, but kayakers say often times people try to swim across Millers Pond not realizing how wide it is and how tired they can get.

"Instead of swimming around the sides they swim out toward the middle and then they fatigue, especially if it's cold," said Sue Massicott.

Signs tell folks the area is swim at your own risk and patrols warn swimmers as well, but some wonder if the signs also need to better explain the dangers they may face.

"When you come right down to it though, no matter what precautions we take and what signage we have it's up to each individual to exercise good judgment and common sense," said Dennis Schain from DEEP.
 
"I think it's pretty big," said Kyle Phipps. "Could be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing."

Phipps and Massicott say they've already seen the dangers which lurk below and the potential hazards for those who jump off the rocks.

"A lot of rocks and fallen limbs and things in the water," Massicott said.

On a hot summer day folks also jump off the cliffs, so it's not just the width of the pond, it's also the depth of the water which can be a hazard.