David K. Adams rescued Lee L. DeWitt from an out-of-control boat, Chaffey’s Locks, Ontario, July 26, 1991. Thrown from her motorboat while on Indian Lake, Mrs. DeWitt, 75, clung to the side of the boat as it traveled in tight, clockwise circles around her. Adams, 34, automobile technician, was one of several other boaters in the vicinity who became aware of her predicament. Boarding a smaller boat that contained two other men, Adams attempted to disconnect the out-of-control boat’s fuel line by having the smaller boat approach, but that attempt failed. By then, Mrs. DeWitt had been circling with her boat for more than 20 minutes. Adams directed the operator of the smaller boat to circle with, and close to, Mrs. DeWitt’s boat. As the operator did so, Adams leapt from the smaller boat in an attempt to enter the out-of-control boat, but he fell just short and struck the side. Partially in the water, he clung to the boat, opposite Mrs. DeWitt, as it continued to circle. After numerous attempts over the course of several minutes, Adams, with difficulty, hoisted himself into the boat. He shut off the motor. Mrs. DeWitt, virtually uninjured, was removed from the water and taken to shore. Adams sustained slight injuries, including lacerations to his arms and legs, but he recovered.
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