David Robert Nay, 16, schoolboy, saved Lois E. Roche, 20, from drowning, Cabins, West Virginia, August 19, 1955. While wading on a submerged sandbar in a natural pool in the North Fork of the Potomac River, Miss Roche lost her footing and floundered into water eight feet deep, submerging briefly 45 feet from the bank. Nay, who was swimming in the pool, heard her cries for help and swam 45 feet to her, extending one arm with the intention of holding her above water. Seizing his arm with both hands, Miss Roche submerged again. Her action nearly submerged Nay, who trod water rapidly and brought Miss Roche to the surface while freeing himself. Nay then placed one arm around Miss Roche’s waist and began towing her toward the bank. Each time Miss Roche floundered and submerged briefly, Nay ceased swimming and trod water to avoid being submerged also. Towing Miss Roche with difficulty, Nay swam 25 feet and was caught in an eddy, which carried them 50 feet before Nay was able to swim out of the current. Miss Roche’s father then waded into the water and extended an inner-tuhe to his daughter, who took hold of it and was assisted to the bank by Nay and her father. Nay was tired. Miss Roche was winded and dazed. Both recovered. 43595-4020
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