Birge L. Stewart, 34, insurance claims manager, saved Clarence G. Carlson, 66, realtor, from drowning, Ward, Colorado, July 19, 1959. While fishing from a boat in Brainard Lake, Carlson suffered a heart attack and fell into water 15 feet deep 150 from shore. He was submerged briefly and then floated inert as the boat drifted toward the middle of the lake. Stewart ran 150 feet to the shore opposite Carlson. Removing only his waders and jacket, he waded 10 feet into the glacier lake, where the water temperature was 33 degrees. Stewart tired rapidly because of the cold water as he swam 140 feet to Carlson, who then revived briefly and began thrashing about. Stewart obtained a hold on Carlson’s heavy jacket and began towing him toward shore. Twice Carlson revived briefly and struggled with Stewart, causing him to he submerged and tearing his shirt. Both times Stewart broke Carlson’s hold and then continued towing him toward shore. With much effort he reached wadable water eight feet from shore and was met by his wife and a man, who aided in removing Carlson from the water. Stewart was so exhausted that he fell over before reaching shore and had to he aided from the water. Both men recovered.
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