Floyd Nichols helped to save Perry L. Bateman and Julius C. Scott from drowning, Ville Platte, Louisiana, July 4, 1955. When a motorboat in which they were riding on Lake Chicot suddenly sank 300 feet from the nearest bank, Bateman, 20; Scott, 23; and another young man leaped into the water, which was 15 feet deep. Bateman grasped Scott, forcing both men beneath the surface. Nichols, 44, aircraft painter, who was in his motorboat at a landing 1,200 feet from the men, was attracted. He immediately started to their aid, taking along his daughter, 13, who wore a life jacket. Approaching the scene, Nichols saw Bateman break water briefly near the other man, who had leg cramps and was trying to stay afloat. Near the point where Bateman had disappeared, Nichols put the motor in neutral and entered the water fully clothed as his daughter helped the other man to reach the boat. Nichols located Bateman eight feet beneath the surface and Scott three feet farther down. He encircled Bateman’s neck with one arm, grasping Scott with that hand, and used his free arm to swim toward the surface. His head touched the bottom of the boat, and he surfaced beside it, gasping for breath. As his daughter assisted the other man in clinging to the boat, Nichols clung to the opposite side, supporting the unconscious men until other boats arrived. All were taken to the boat landing, from where the victims were removed to a hospital. They were revived. Nichols suffered muscular soreness, a back pain, and a chest cold. All recovered. 43928-4117
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