COURTLAND—A Courtland man is around to fish another day thanks to the quick work of Girl Scout volunteers.

Last Saturday, Harvey Randall, 68, was reportedly fishing in the lake at Camp Darden – also in Courtland. He was reaching for something in his johnboat and trying to sit back down. The boat seat collapsed from under him and he fell overboard into 40-degree water, according to a press release from the Girls Scout Council of Colonial Coast

On hearing Randall’s cries for help, volunteer Nevin Bunnell ran to the lake and partially climbed a tree for a better view. He saw Randall holding onto a log. Bunnell and the other volunteers were at the camp for a training event.

Sherri Sliker, a Girl Scout volunteer from Gloucester, ran to help. She’s certified in canoe safety and first aid. Sliker and Bunnell grabbed life jackets and paddled to Randall. They had him hold onto the canoe while Bunnell rafted the canoe and boat together.

After stabilizing the two crafts, they pair pulled Randall into the board and got him to shore.

Poppy Tansey, a volunteer with nursing experience, helped him out of his wet clothes and had towels for drying. She also checked to see if there were any injuries.

Meanwhile, members of the Sedley Rescue Squad responded to the 911 call, and arrived as Randall was being pulled from the water. He was given fluids and treatment to prevent frostbite.

According to lead Girl Scout trainer Anne Dinterman, one of the EMS rescuers said that it was the quick actions of the volunteers that made the trip a rescue instead of a recovery.

Mr. Randall’s fishing equipment was recovered.